Postdoctoral Research Associate in Gas-phase Spectroscopy

DURHAM UNIVERSITY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focusing on gas-phase spectroscopy, particularly anion photoelectron spectroscopy. The role includes conducting research projects, publishing findings, and presenting at conferences. The position is fixed-term for approximately 2 years, funding ending on 31 December 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field such as physics or chemistry.
• Experience with gas-phase spectroscopy and molecular beam methods.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting results from experiments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities.
• Publish high quality outputs in peer-reviewed journals.

Job description

Organisation/Company DURHAM UNIVERSITY Research Field Physics Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 17 Nov 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in gas-phase spectroscopy with a particular emphasis on anion photoelectron spectroscopy (imaging) both in the time and frequency domains. The research project aims to exploit these methods to develop an understanding of electron-driven chemistry of water.

The successful applicant will work on a specific EPSRC-funded research project entitled "Photoelectron Spectroscopy of the Electron-Water Reaction" that aims to probe electron-driven chemistry in water clusters using anion photoelectron imaging. The post-holder will be expected to develop and use molecular beam methods and mass-spectrometry to generate cold isolated anionic cluster, to use laser spectroscopy (both nanosecond and femtosecond), to perform photoelectron imaging of the anions, to analyse and interpret the results, and to disseminate the results as needed. This project builds on and extends recent work from the Verlet group in this area, details and publications of which can be found at. This specific project aims to advance our understanding of the very first steps in electron attachment exploiting a new methodology to access electronic resonances. In the frequency domain, photoelectron spectroscopy will offer insight into the dynamics of the resonance from a static perspective, while time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy will track the autodetachment to internal conversion and dissociative electron attachment products in real-time.

Key responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• To work with the Principal Investigator and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for approximately 2 years (depending on start date), due to the funding availability that ends on 31 December 2027, and may be extendable depending on further funding.