Research Associate in Harnessing electron-phonon interactions in nanoplasmonic solar energy con[...]

Imperial College London; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Research Associate to work on a pioneering research project focused on harnessing electron-phonon interactions in nanoplasmonic solar energy conversion. The role involves developing computational methods to enhance the efficiency of solar to chemical energy conversion, and requires a PhD in a relevant field along with substantive research experience. This position offers competitive salary, access to top resources, and ample opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic and inclusive academic environment.

Benefits

39 days off a year

Generous pension schemes

Professional development resources

Diverse and inclusive work culture

Qualifications

• Practical experience in a research environment.
• Publications in relevant and refereed journals.
• Experience in modeling vibrations and electron coupling.

Responsibilities

• Develop model for electron-vibration interactions in nanoparticles.
• Report results to team leaders and collaborators.
• Direct small research teams and write reports for sponsorship.

Skills

Electron-vibration interaction modeling

Collaboration with theorists and experimentalists

Knowledge of light-matter interactions

Education

PhD in Materials, Physics, Chemistry

Tools

Electronic structure theory methods

Tight-binding techniques

Force field techniques

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Research Associate in Harnessing electron-phonon interactions in nanoplasmonic solar energy conversion, London

Client:

Imperial College London

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

c4bc870f912c

Job Views:

5

Posted:

02.06.2025

Expiry Date:

17.07.2025

Job Description:

The purpose of this role is to carry out research on the Leverhulme Trust Research Project titled “Harnessing electron-phonon interactions in nanoplasmonic solar energy conversion”. The goal is to develop new computational methods that will enable the design of metallic nanoparticles with dramatically increased efficiency of solar to chemical energy conversion by exploiting the interactions of hot carriers generated by light with lattice vibrations.

Main Duties:

• Work both independently and as part of a team to deliver the outputs of the Leverhulme Trust Research Project.
• Develop an approach to model electron-vibration interactions in metallic nanoparticles containing millions of atoms.
• Use the new computational approach to study physical processes driven by electron-phonon interactions in large nanoparticles for applications in photocatalysis.
• Report results to team leaders and collaborators.
• Attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary.
• Promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College.

In addition, at Research Associate level:

• Take initiatives in the planning of research.
• Direct the work of small research teams.
• Write reports for submission to research sponsors.
• Submit publications to refereed journals.
• Provide guidance to staff and students.
• Hold a PhD in Materials, Physics, Chemistry or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
• Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals.
• Experience of collaborating with other theorists and experimentalists.
• Practical experience in electronic structure theory methods, tight-binding, force field techniques, electrodynamics of nanoparticles.
• Knowledge of electronic structure theory and modelling light-matter interactions.
• Knowledge of modelling vibrations in materials and vibration-electron coupling.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to advance science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading resources as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various resources to support your personal and professional development.