Research Associate in Advanced Spectroscopy and Magnetism

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Manchester seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct advanced research in lanthanide spectroscopy and magnetism. The role involves performing various spectroscopy techniques and collaborating with partners to analyze samples. Candidates should hold a PhD in a related field and possess experience in relevant techniques. This position offers excellent benefits including a market-leading pension scheme and annual leave.

Benefits

Market-leading pension scheme

Excellent health and wellbeing services

Generous annual leave entitlement

Additional paid leave during Christmas closure

Discounts at major retailers

Qualifications

• Experience in advanced lanthanide spectroscopy and magnetism is essential.
• Strong background in theoretical and experimental physical chemistry.
• Published research relevant to the role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research in the field of advanced lanthanide spectroscopy.
• Perform X-ray spectroscopy, neutron spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements.
• Collaborate with multiple partners to analyze samples.

Skills

X-ray spectroscopy

Neutron spectroscopy

EPR

Magnetic measurements

Calculations on lanthanide complexes

Education

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Job description

An EPSRC-sponsored Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious scientist to undertake research in the field of advanced lanthanide spectroscopy and magnetism. This post is part of the multidisciplinary project "High-Performance Lanthanide Single-Molecule Magnets with Monodentate Ligands," supervised by Prof. David Mills and Dr. Michael Baker at the University of Manchester. The successful candidate will perform X-ray spectroscopy, neutron spectroscopy, EPR, and magnetic measurements. They will conduct calculations on lanthanide complexes with various bulky ligands, focusing on those exhibiting high-temperature magnetic memory effects. The project involves collaboration with multiple partners to analyze bulk solid, solution, and surface-deposited samples, aiming to establish electronic structures and magnetic relaxation pathways in different matrices.

Recent publications relevant to the project include: Nature, 2025, 643, 125; ChemRxiv, 2025, DOI:10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-31n6; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2024, 146, 3331; and J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2023, 145, 22814.

What you will get in return:

• Market-leading pension scheme
• Excellent health and wellbeing services, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Additional paid leave during Christmas closure
• Discounts at major retailers

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

The University supports flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs, or applications from recruitment agencies. Recruitment agencies should contact [e-mail]. Any CVs submitted by agencies will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting, and interviews:
Name: Prof. David Mills
Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:
Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy closes at midnight on the specified closing date.

Further particulars and person specification criteria are available in the linked document.