Research Associate in Environmental Electron Microscopy

European Microscopy Society; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

European Microscopy Society (EMS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specialising in environmental electron microscopy to join the Jeol York Nanocentre at the University of York. The project focuses on visualising active catalytic sites under real reaction conditions using operando atomic-scale imaging.

You will collaborate with national and international partners, develop image processing workflows, and contribute to data analysis, modelling and publications while extending the

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related subject.
• Experience operating transmission electron microscopes and environmental electron microscopy.
• Strong analytical skills with data interpretation, simulations, and/or modelling.
• A track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform operando atomic-scale imaging and local probe spectroscopy of catalysts.
• Develop workflows for image processing and object tracking.
• Collaborate with national and international partners.
• Contribute to data analysis and modelling.

Skills

TEM operation

Environmental electron microscopy

Analytical skills

Publications

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related subject

Job description

Research Associate in Environmental Electron Microscopy

Institution

University of York

Department

School of Physics Engineering & Technology

Service

Academia

Location

York, United Kingdom

Description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate specialising in advanced environmental electron microscopy to join the team at the Jeol York Nanocentre, a world-leading facility specialising in environmental electron microscopy at atomic resolution. The post is part of the project 'Uncovering a Catalyst in action at the Atomic Level (U-CAL): a shortcut to net-zero technologies' an EPSRC International Centre-to-Centre Collaboration Network that includes Universities of York, Nottingham and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf Dresden, Germany. This role will be based at the York Jeol Nanocenter. This project aims to visualise active sites in functioning catalysts under real reaction conditions and in real time. The successful candidate will contribute to a broad range of experimental investigations, modelling, and data analysis. This includes operando atomic-scale imaging and local probe spectroscopy of heterogeneous catalysts in action. The overarching goal is to understand how electron dose, substrate support, and other external stimuli influence the atomic structure of nano catalysts, ultimately determining their efficiency. Examples of reactions to be studied include, but are not limited to, high-efficiency catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation and ammonia synthesis. This role offers an initial 24-month appointment with the possibility of up to an additional 24-month extension. You will work with advanced instrumentation and develop workflows for image processing and object tracking to reveal the structure of reactive intermediates. You will also collaborate closely with national and international partners.

Requirements

• A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related subject.
• Experience in the operation of transmission electron microscopes and in environmental electron microscopy.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data interpretation, simulations, and/or modelling.
• A track record of high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent communications skills.

Job details

Opening date: July 29, 2026

Closing date: September 9, 2026

Contact: Demie Kepaptsoglou

Email: [e-mail]

European Microscopy Society (EMS) Contact: [e-mail]