Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Ultrafast Chemical Dynamics (Fixed term)

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nottingham invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Ultrafast Chemical Dynamics. The role is full-time, fixed-term for 12 months, extendable to 48 months; starts with salary depending on PhD status (£32,080–£47,389 p.a.).

The project builds an Anion Reaction Microscope for time-resolved imaging of ultrafast nuclear dynamics, with opportunities for collaboration and career development.

Qualifications

• The candidate must have (or be about to) complete a PhD in physical chemistry, chemical physics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrable expertise in one or more of: mass spectrometry techniques, ultrafast spectroscopy, charged particle detection/imaging, and/or scientific instrument development.

Responsibilities

• Design and commissioning of the anion reaction microscope.
• Development of femtosecond laser beamlines.
• Scientific investigations into nuclear dynamics of photodetachment from prototypical anions.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Ultrafast spectroscopy

Charged particle detection

Scientific instrument development

Education

PhD in physical chemistry / chemical physics / AMO physics or closely related discipline

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Ultrafast Chemical Dynamics (Fixed term)

Location
University Park

Salary
£32,080 to £47,389per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date
Friday 11 December 2026

Reference
SCI485626

We are seeking an ambitious and creative experimental physical scientist to join our group as a founding member of the UKRI-funded Future Leaders Fellowship project ‘Transition State Imaging’. The project will build an Anion Reaction Microscope, a novel anion spectrometer for time-resolved Coulomb explosion imaging experiments in our group’s laboratory.
This instrument will generate a beam of mass-selected molecular and/or cluster anions and will image the ultrafast nuclear dynamics triggered by photodetachment of the excess electron, using a new high-repetition rate Ytterbium laser system. These unique capabilities will advance our fundamental understanding of chemical reactivity by extending the time-resolved Coulomb explosion imaging technique beyond unimolecular photochemistry and towards new chemical contexts, e.g. bi-molecular reactions, solvent dynamics, and electron-induced chemistry.

Specifically, the candidate will be involved in:

• Design and commissioning of the anion reaction microscope
• Development of femtosecond laser beamlines
• Scientific investigations into nuclear dynamics of photodetachment from prototypical anions

The candidate must have (or be about to) complete a PhD in in physical chemistry, chemical physics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, or a closely related discipline.– with demonstratable expertise in one or more of the following areas: mass spectrometry techniques, ultrafast spectroscopy, charged particle detection/imaging, and/or scientific instrument development.

What we offer:
We are a new research group, and this position offers an unprecedented opportunity for the right person to make a major intellectual contribution to a unique research programme at the forefront of chemical dynamics. As such, this is an ideal role for an early career researcher who is looking to apply their technical expertise and demonstrate their scientific creativity, in a supportive and collaborative team environment.

We are committed to your own professional and scientific development. The project is supported by partnerships with leading experimental and theoretical research groups and facilities in Europe (EuXFEL-SQS) and the UK (Universities of Birmingham-List Group and East Anglia-Bull Group); there will be ample opportunities for external support, collaboration, and space to allow the candidate to develop their own research activities within the parameters of the project.

The role is offered on a full-time (36.25 hours per week), fixed-term basis for an initial period of 12-months, but extendable up to 48-months, upon mutual agreement. The salary band, for candidates who hold a PhD at the time of commencement, begins at £35,608 p.a. Candidates who have not had their doctorates conferred will begin at £32,080 p.a., moving onto the higher band upon degree conferral.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .