Postdoctoral Research Associate in Colloid Physics

University of Oxford; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in England is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Colloid Physics. The role involves using optical methods to explore interactions in soft matter systems and contribute to discoveries on electrosolvation force. Ideal candidates will have a PhD and expertise in microscopy and data analysis. Applications close on 20th October 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in soft matter.
• Experience in building and working with optical traps.
• Familiarity with colloid chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to ongoing discoveries on electrosolvation force.
• Use optical methods to examine interactions in colloidal and molecular systems.
• Relate experimental findings to theoretical insights.

Skills

Microscopy

Optical imaging

Data analysis

Colloid chemistry

Surface functionalization

Education

PhD in physics, biophysics, physical chemistry, engineering, or related area

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Colloid Physics

The Krishnan Lab works in the broad area of soft condensed matter at the nanometer scale and has a long- standing interest in measuring, understanding and manipulating interactions between charged particles and molecules in solution (Nature 2010, Nature Nanotech 2012, 2015, 2017, 2024).

Recently the lab's work has shed much needed light on the long-standing and counterintuitive observation of attraction between similarly charged particles in solution. In a series of papers we described the mechanism behind an "electrosolvation force" that can drive such an attraction (J Chem Phys 2020, Langmuir 2022, Nature Nanotech 2024, Nature Communications 2025), now opening up many new and exciting avenues of exploration across scales, from molecules to microspheres.

The group is consolidating the initial discovery and is looking for a highly motivated and driven postdoctoral researcher in the area of colloid physics to contribute strongly to ongoing discoveries on the electrosolvation force. The project will use a range of optical methods to examine the interactions in colloidal and molecular systems and relate the experimental findings to theories on the electrosolvation force under development in the group. The planned investigations are primarily experimental in nature, but will proceed in close conjunction with insight from theory and simulations.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in physics, biophysics, physical chemistry, engineering, or a related area, or have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment. The research requires strong interest in and knowledge of the broad area of soft matter, with expertise in microscopy, optical imaging, and data analysis. Experience in building and working with optical traps, and familiarity with colloid chemistry and surface functionalisation will be highly rated in the selection process.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your application. In your supporting statement (

Certificates, references and research papers should not be provided at this stage.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday, 20th October 2025, UK time. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Oxford and The Department of Chemistry are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in Chemistry research posts in Oxford.

Contact Person :

Recruitment Officer

Vacancy ID :

181093

Contact Phone :

Closing Date & Time :

20-Oct-2025 12:00

Pay Scale :

RESEARCH GRADE 7

Contact Email :

[e-mail]

Salary (£) :

£38674 - £46913