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Postdoctoral Research Associate
UKRI
United Kingdom
On-site
GBP 41,000 - 46,000
Full time
Yesterday
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Job summary
A leading research organization in the UK seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the ISIS Facility to investigate quantum materials. The role requires a PhD in a relevant field, expertise in solid-state synthesis, and skills in data analysis. The position offers a salary between £41,344 - £45,479 and includes access to excellent employee benefits and a work-life balance.
Benefits
30 days holiday
Learning and development opportunities
Qualifications
- Trained in experimental solid-state synthesis of transition metal oxides.
- Some experience with low-temperature physical properties measurements.
- Ability to work independently and part of a team.
Responsibilities
- Synthesize quantum materials based on heavy transition metal oxides.
- Characterize structural and physical properties using advanced techniques.
- Analyze neutron and muon data and disseminate results.
Skills
Solid-state synthesis
Communication skills
Planning and time management
Education
PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science
Tools
X-ray powder diffraction
Muon spin rotation
Neutron scattering
Job description
Job Description
Job Title: Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Location: ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary: £41,344 -£45,479 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Contract: Fixed Term until 31st January 2026 with no possibility for extension.
About Us:
The ISIS Neutron & Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford in the United Kingdom. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials at the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers and on to fundamental studies of materials. As such ISIS is home to around 500 staff of diverse technical and cultural backgrounds, and hosts a strong scientific activity and links to the international community
Neutrons tell us where atoms are, how they are moving as well as provide information on magnetic excitations. By studying how materials work at the microscopic level, we can better understand their every day properties and so make new materials tailor-made for particular applications. ISIS also produces muons, which provide information on a variety of static and dynamic effects in materials and hence to deduce properties concerning magnetism, superconductivity and molecular dynamics.
About The Job:
The ISIS facility seeks to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on the EPSRC funded project "Spin-orbit coupling and dimensionality at the heart of quantum magnetism of heavy transition metal oxides". The project is jointly funded between ISIS Facility (led by Dr Devashibhai Adroja) and University College London (UCL, led by Dr Robin Perry). The research project is focused on experimental condensed matter physics to investigate novel quantum materials, particularly the quantum spin liquid states of matter, which are generally characterised by their long-range quantum entanglement, fractionalised excitations, and absence of ordinary magnetic order, using multiple experimental techniques along with the materials synthesis.
Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities:
The work will involve the synthesis of various quantum materials based on heavy transition metal oxides in polycrystalline form, and the subsequent characterisation of their structural and physical (magnetic and transport) properties using ISIS Material Characterisation Laboratory (MCL) in collaboration with Dr Gavin Stenning. The selected materials will be further investigated using multiple advanced characterisation techniques, such as neutron scattering and muon spin rotations. You will play a leading role in neutron and muon data analysis and dissemination of the results. Communication skills for disseminating the results within the team communication framework and during virtual, internal discussions, and subsequently in potential publications are important requirements of the position.
The Project:
This project is focused on investigations of various low dimensional quantum materials, frustrated magnets and topological materials based on heavy transition metal oxides using multiple experimental techniques. The experimental research programme in collaboration with various theoretical groups aims a development of comprehensive understanding of the fundamental properties of an important and emerging family of quantum materials based on heavy transition metal oxides. The unique phenomenology predicted for these materials, for which the enhanced spin-orbit interaction and dimensionality play a pivotal role, display a plethora of novel electronic and magnetic states, which encompass many concepts at the forefront of magnetism. For example formation of quantum dimers in one dimension (1D), 2D and 3D systems, topological insulators, the nature of fractional excitations and the effects of frustration on quantum systems.
Person Specification:
You should be trained in experimental solid-state synthesis; synthesis of transition metal based oxide materials and have some experience of low-temperature physical properties measurements techniques. Training will be provided for the low-temperature physical properties measurements at ISIS MCL if needed.
Experience with x-ray powder diffraction, muon spin rotation or neutron scattering will be an advantage.
You are expected to be able to work independently and in cooperation with other members of the research team. You are also expected to demonstrate excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively.
(Please note the below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview stage (I) or through a Presentation (P))
Essential:
• Hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related subject area (S).
• Experience of solid state synthesis of polycrystalline transition metal oxides materials (S).
• Experience of x-ray powder diffraction technique (S&I).
• Experience of muon spin rotation or neutron scattering experiments (S, I&P).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (S, I&P).
• Ability to write and produce scientific papers and present results at conferences (S, I&P).
Desirable:
• Ability to perform and participate in experiments at central facilities for neutron and muon measurements (S&I).
• Experience of working on transition mental oxide materials (S&I).
• Knowledge of data analysis software such as Mantid and FullProf (S&I).
Please be aware that on occasions you will be working in classified radiation areas and in relevant science support laboratories and beamlines. You will also on occasions be asked to work out-of-hours when required, at night or weekends, and to travel abroad (attend conferences etc.).
Benefits
STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days) and excellent learning and development opportunities. Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
About Us
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
About the Team
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people - and more broadly to the world.
One of Europe's largest research organisations, we're trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we're driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
Job Title: Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Location: ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary: £41,344 -£45,479 per annum (dependent on experience)
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Contract: Fixed Term until 31st January 2026 with no possibility for extension.
About Us:
The ISIS Neutron & Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford in the United Kingdom. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials at the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers and on to fundamental studies of materials. As such ISIS is home to around 500 staff of diverse technical and cultural backgrounds, and hosts a strong scientific activity and links to the international community
Neutrons tell us where atoms are, how they are moving as well as provide information on magnetic excitations. By studying how materials work at the microscopic level, we can better understand their every day properties and so make new materials tailor-made for particular applications. ISIS also produces muons, which provide information on a variety of static and dynamic effects in materials and hence to deduce properties concerning magnetism, superconductivity and molecular dynamics.
About The Job:
The ISIS facility seeks to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on the EPSRC funded project "Spin-orbit coupling and dimensionality at the heart of quantum magnetism of heavy transition metal oxides". The project is jointly funded between ISIS Facility (led by Dr Devashibhai Adroja) and University College London (UCL, led by Dr Robin Perry). The research project is focused on experimental condensed matter physics to investigate novel quantum materials, particularly the quantum spin liquid states of matter, which are generally characterised by their long-range quantum entanglement, fractionalised excitations, and absence of ordinary magnetic order, using multiple experimental techniques along with the materials synthesis.
Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities:
The work will involve the synthesis of various quantum materials based on heavy transition metal oxides in polycrystalline form, and the subsequent characterisation of their structural and physical (magnetic and transport) properties using ISIS Material Characterisation Laboratory (MCL) in collaboration with Dr Gavin Stenning. The selected materials will be further investigated using multiple advanced characterisation techniques, such as neutron scattering and muon spin rotations. You will play a leading role in neutron and muon data analysis and dissemination of the results. Communication skills for disseminating the results within the team communication framework and during virtual, internal discussions, and subsequently in potential publications are important requirements of the position.
The Project:
This project is focused on investigations of various low dimensional quantum materials, frustrated magnets and topological materials based on heavy transition metal oxides using multiple experimental techniques. The experimental research programme in collaboration with various theoretical groups aims a development of comprehensive understanding of the fundamental properties of an important and emerging family of quantum materials based on heavy transition metal oxides. The unique phenomenology predicted for these materials, for which the enhanced spin-orbit interaction and dimensionality play a pivotal role, display a plethora of novel electronic and magnetic states, which encompass many concepts at the forefront of magnetism. For example formation of quantum dimers in one dimension (1D), 2D and 3D systems, topological insulators, the nature of fractional excitations and the effects of frustration on quantum systems.
Person Specification:
You should be trained in experimental solid-state synthesis; synthesis of transition metal based oxide materials and have some experience of low-temperature physical properties measurements techniques. Training will be provided for the low-temperature physical properties measurements at ISIS MCL if needed.
Experience with x-ray powder diffraction, muon spin rotation or neutron scattering will be an advantage.
You are expected to be able to work independently and in cooperation with other members of the research team. You are also expected to demonstrate excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively.
(Please note the below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview stage (I) or through a Presentation (P))
Essential:
• Hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related subject area (S).
• Experience of solid state synthesis of polycrystalline transition metal oxides materials (S).
• Experience of x-ray powder diffraction technique (S&I).
• Experience of muon spin rotation or neutron scattering experiments (S, I&P).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (S, I&P).
• Ability to write and produce scientific papers and present results at conferences (S, I&P).
Desirable:
• Ability to perform and participate in experiments at central facilities for neutron and muon measurements (S&I).
• Experience of working on transition mental oxide materials (S&I).
• Knowledge of data analysis software such as Mantid and FullProf (S&I).
Please be aware that on occasions you will be working in classified radiation areas and in relevant science support laboratories and beamlines. You will also on occasions be asked to work out-of-hours when required, at night or weekends, and to travel abroad (attend conferences etc.).
Benefits
STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days) and excellent learning and development opportunities. Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
About Us
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
About the Team
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people - and more broadly to the world.
One of Europe's largest research organisations, we're trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we're driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
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