Research Associate in EPR and Magnetism of Molecular Spin Qubits

University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employer contribution pension

29 days annual leave plus bank/holiday

Ride to work and EV car scheme

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a 2.5-year Postdoctoral Research Associate to study transition metal molecular spin qubits using pulse EPR spectroscopy within a UK-US collaboration with the Huh group at Rhode Island University and Brown University.

The role will characterise electronic structure and coherence properties of d-block metal complexes, supervise junior researchers, coordinate with collaborators, run meetings, and present findings at international conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physics, or a closely related field with strong spectroscopic and magnetic measurement experience.
• Experience in performing advanced spectroscopic measurements, including EPR, and handling air-sensitive samples.
• Ability to lead a group of PhD and undergraduate researchers and coordinate with international collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Characterise electronic structure and coherence properties of d-block metal complexes using pulse EPR and magnetometry.
• Supervise junior researchers and organize group activities and meetings.
• Coordinate with the Huh group at Rhode Island University for collaborative syntheses and projects.
• Present findings at international conferences and contribute to publications.

Skills

Pulse EPR

EPR spectroscopy

Magnetometry

Supervision

Air-sensitive sample handling

Education

PhD in chemistry, physics, or related field

Job description

A 2.5-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available for an outstanding and ambitious scientist to study transition metal molecular spin qubits using pulse EPR spectroscopy and related methods. This position, funded by an UKRI grant managed by Dr Floriana Tuna (https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/floriana.tuna/), involves close collaboration with the University of Rhode Island (Huh group) and Brown University (Robinson group) under an UK-US research partnership to explore quantum information science concepts in metal organic systems.

As part of the project, the successful applicant will interact closely with experts at the UK National EPR Facility at Manchester (Prof David Collison, Prof Eric McInnes) and access state-of-the-art instrumentation for cw and pulse EPR (1-34 GHz), rapid scan, light-induced EPR, and SQUID magnetometry (https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/epr/).

Recent publications relevant to the project: J. Am .Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 15000; Nat. Commun. 2019, 10, 3330; Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 3003, Chem.Eur.J. 2026, e71619, Inorg. Chem. 2026, 65, 6544.

Purpose of the Job

The role holder is expected to characterise the electronic structure and coherence properties of a series of d-block metal complexes to a standard suitable for publication, using pulse EPR and magnetometry, and to supervise junior researchers in the research group. Candidates should have or expect to obtain a PhD qualification in chemistry, physics, or a closely related field. They should have experience in performing advanced spectroscopic and/or magnetic measurements. Experience of EPR spectroscopy and handling and measuring highly air-sensitive samples, using glove boxes, d/f block chemistry, and being adept at a variety of characterisation techniques and calculations, are all highly desirable. The successful candidate will be a highly capable, motivated and independent researcher who is able to manage a group of PhD and undergraduate students working on a variety of spectroscopy and magnetism projects. You will be part of a larger research team working across synthesis, measurements and calculations to characterise qubits and establish the electronic structures of paramagnetic complexes. You will be expected to take a leading role in the research group, including coordination with the Huh group at Rhode Island University involved in chemical syntheses, organising group meetings, and presenting findings at international conferences.

The start date is 1 February 2027, or soon after, and the position is available for up to 2.5 years.

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School of Natural Sciences holds a Silver Award, which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post, who are currently under-represented at this grade. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/equality-diversity-inclusion/awards/athena-swan/

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

(Grades 6-9)

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Floriana Tuna

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

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

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.