Postdoctoral Research Associate in Operando XPS

University of Oxford; England; On-site; GBP 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop operando X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy for energy transition studies. Responsibilities include adapting vacuum equipment, implementing gas and liquid delivery, and benchmarking design performance. Ideal candidates will have experience in vacuum instrumentation development and XPS. This 24-month position starts in January 2026, offering a salary range of £39,424- £47,779 per annum.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in instrumentation development is essential.
• Hands-on experience with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) required.

Responsibilities

• Adapt ultrahigh vacuum equipment for reaction cells.
• Implement gas and liquid delivery systems.
• Benchmark performance and safety of the design.

Skills

Instrumentation development

Vacuum instrumentation

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

Job description

Overview

A postdoctoral research position is available in the Development of Operando X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy within the group of Professor Robert Weatherup in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford.

Although near-Ambient Pressure XPS has enabled operando measurements of surface chemical processes in recent years, it is limited to low pressures (~ mbar) and complex, dedicated instrumentation often located at synchrotron facilities. We have recently developed operando cells which can perform XPS measurements at > 1 bar pressure by using graphene membranes as X-ray and electron transparent windows to separate a liquid/gas environment from the vacuum conditions typically needed (see 10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-0cgp0). This role therefore aims to translate this approach from the synchrotron to conventional lab-based XPS instruments, to make it a widely accessible research tool for academia and industry.

You will have responsibility for adapting ultrahigh vacuum equipment to accommodate the reaction cells, implementing gas and liquid delivery, and developing improvements in how the graphene windows are produced. Following from this, you will benchmark the performance, reliability and safety of your design and have the opportunity to demonstrate its performance by studying key catalytic reactions important to the energy transition.

Previous experience of adapting/developing vacuum instrumentation and a track record of peer-reviewed publications are essential. This 24 month position is available from January 2026.

Group information

Group website with research details and publications:

https://emi.web.ox.ac.uk

Application process

All applications must be made online using the Oxford University E-Recruitment system, no later than 12 noon on 26th September 2025. You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

The Supporting Statement should include short sections on the following (1-2 paragraphs each):

(a) previous experience in instrumentation development

(b) previous hands-on experience of XPS

Interviews are scheduled to take place at the Department of Materials on the week commencing 6th October 2025 and you must be available on this date, either by Teams, Zoom or in person.

Contact Person: Recruitment Team

Vacancy ID: 181849

Contact Phone:

Closing Date & Time: 26-Sep-2025 12:00

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Salary (£): £39,424- £47,779 per annum with a discretionary range to £53,483