Research Assistant/Associate in Magnetic Materials Synthesis and Characterisation (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 33,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate in Magnetic Materials Synthesis and Characterisation in the Department of Engineering, based at the main Cambridge site with regular work at West Cambridge.

The appointee will lead rapid screening and definitive characterisation of magnetic materials, relating XRD data to magnetic properties, and contribute to publications and experimental SOPs over an 18‑month term through 31 December 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering or related field.
• Experience in materials property characterisation of magnetic, superconducting or electrical materials.
• Experience with magnetic characterisation techniques and XRD.

Responsibilities

• Establish rapid screening and definitive characterisation of magnetic materials.
• Maintain sample identities and reproducible datasets.
• Contribute to publications, presentations, and SOP development.
• Communicate effectively within and outside the project team.

Skills

Materials characterisation

Experimental design

Communication skills

Education

PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, or engineering

Tools

XRD

Particle analysis

Magnetic characterisation techniques

Job description

A position exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in Magnetic Materials Synthesis and Characterisation in the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, to work on a multidisciplinary research programme developing protein-guided, droplet-based routes to architected functional materials, as part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations. The post holder will be located at the main Engineering Site in central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK, with work also regularly required at the University West Cambridge site.The project, collaborating across seven research groups, is studying:(i) how to create rare-earth free magnetic materials at scale and in useful formats(ii) how to create advanced, nanoporous electrodes for high capacity, long-life battery technologiesThe appointee will take substantial responsibility within a team focussed on the materials characterisation aspects of the project. In particular, the role will be responsible for establishing rapid screening and definitive characterisation of magnetic materials, relating XRD-verified phase and structural order to hysteresis, coercivity, remanence, squareness and BHmax.The appointee will maintain shared sample identities and reproducible datasets and contribute to publications, presentations, development of experimental protocols and specification of standard operating procedures. They will need to have the ability to communicate effectively both within and without a project team.The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of performing materials property characterisation of magnetic, superconducting or electrical materials. They should be familiar with experimental design and have a practical understanding of materials synthesis and how characterisation can advance materials processing and synthesis.Experience with magnetic characterisation techniques, XRD, particle analysis, or anisotropic composites is desirable as is experience of hands on materials synthesis.Applicants must have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering or a cognate discipline.Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.Salary Ranges:Research Assistant £33,002 - £35,608;Research Associate £37,694 - £46,049Fixed-term: The funding is for 18 months or through until 31st December 2027, whichever of these comes soonest.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publication list in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Prof. John Durrell ([e-mail]) or Holly Shaw ([e-mail]).Please quote reference NM51165 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.