Research Associate in the Photophysics of Battery Materials & Molecular Systems

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

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Associate in the Optoelectronics Group, Department of Physics (Cavendish Laboratory). The post will study photophysics of battery and molecular materials using optical spectroscopy and microscopy to explore charge and ion transport and material changes during operation.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyse data, and publish and present results, collaborating with local and international partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related discipline required or near completion.
• Experimental experience in optical spectroscopy and optical microscopy.
• Experience with molecular, battery or electrochemical materials, instrument development, and large dataset analysis.
• Provide two referees' names and contact details.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments combining optical spectroscopy and microscopy.
• Analyse and interpret data, publish and present findings.
• Collaborate with other researchers, PhD students, and national/international partners.

Skills

Optical spectroscopy

Optical microscopy

Data analysis

Experiment design

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

Spectroscopy instruments

Job description

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Research Associate to join the group of Professor Akshay Rao in the Optoelectronics Group, Department of Physics (Cavendish Laboratory), University of Cambridge. The role holder will study the photophysics of and battery materials & molecular systems, using optical spectroscopy and optical microscopy to investigate charge and ion transport, and the structural and chemical changes that occur in these materials during operation.

The role holder will design and carry out experiments that combine optical spectroscopy and optical microscopy, analyse and interpret the resulting data, and publish and present the findings. They will be expected to take part in collaborations with other researchers and PhD students in the group, as well as with national and international partners.

Appointment as a Research Associate depends on having been awarded, or close to being awarded, a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline. Candidates must have experimental experience in both optical spectroscopy and optical microscopy. Experience with molecular materials, battery or electrochemical materials, optical instrument development and the analysis of large datasets is essential.

Candidates must provide the names and contact details of two referees who know their work or studies in the relevant field.

The position is available from 4 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter, for 36 months.

Please see the attached further information file for role-specific details.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

£33,002 to £46,049