Postdoc : Ultrafast optical measurements of magnetic materials

The European Magnetism Association; Exeter; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate optical switching processes in multilayered data storage media. The role requires a relevant PhD or equivalent and involves performing advanced optical measurements on novel magnetic materials. Candidates should have a strong background in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, along with skills in preparing research proposals. This full-time post is funded by EPSRC and offers a supportive intellectual environment.

Benefits

Maternity and adoption leave benefits (up to 26 weeks full pay)

Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay)

Fertility Treatment Policy

Access to research support teams

Beautiful campus in Devon/Cornwall

Qualifications

• Ability to present research information clearly in various formats.
• Experience in preparing proposals and applications to funding bodies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research methods and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Investigate optical switching processes in data storage media.
• Perform measurements of multilayered magnetic materials.
• Adapt existing apparatus for novel measurements.

Skills

Ultrafast optical measurements

Quantum mechanics knowledge

Electromagnetism knowledge

Condensed matter physics understanding

Education

Relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience

Job description

Description of the offer :

This full-time post is available from 20 / 03 / 2026 until 29 / 09 / 2029. This post is conditional on research funding.

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Professor R. J. Hicken. This Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded post is available from 30 March 2026. The successful applicant will investigate all optical switching processes in candidate multilayered data storage media.

The post will include measurement of novel multilayered magnetic materials by a variety of optical measurement techniques. This will include wide field Kerr microscopy of the final state induced by an ultrafast laser pulse, and time resolved beam scanning microscopy in a high field environment with the use of a micro-coil pulse generator as a reset mechanism. Additional magnetotransport measurements of Hall bar samples will be performed within the microscopes. Some adaptation of existing apparatus will be carried out.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies. Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification / experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to perform ultrafast optical measurements, integrate items of advanced instrumentation, and interpret time resolved measurements of magnetic materials by drawing upon a deep understanding of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and condensed matter physics, including magnetic materials and spintronics. Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research; Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon / Cornwall The University of Exeter We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes. Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).