Senior Research Associate in High Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in London seeks a Senior Research Associate specializing in high-speed atomic force microscopy. This 50% FTE role offers the chance to operate cutting-edge instruments, contribute to materials research, and mentor students. Ideal candidates hold a PhD and possess strong scientific reporting skills, with training experience being a plus.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline required.
• Familiarity with atomic force microscopes and data analysis tools.
• Experience in scientific reporting and presentations beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Operate HS-AFM instruments and train users.
• Conduct materials research and data analysis.
• Contribute to publications and grant proposals.

Skills

Training Users

Data Analysis

Scientific Reporting

Education

PhD in materials science, physics, engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

Gwyddion

MATLAB

ImageJ

Dragonfly

Job description

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Senior Research Associate in High Speed Atomic Force Microscopy, London

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Client:

University of Bristol

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

823e7b27c46c

Job Views:

13

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

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Job Description:

The role

Applications are invited for an instrument scientist specialising in high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) at the Interface Analysis Centre (IAC) facility within the University of Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented microscopist to join an established materials characterisation facility. This is a 50% FTE role, with a flexible work schedule.

The IAC facility comprises a suite of materials analysis laboratories within the School of Physics at the University of Bristol. The instrument scientist will join a team of academics, technicians and staff scientists that run the instruments within the facility for commercial and collaborative research projects. The IAC’s bespoke and unique contact mode HS-AFMs enable high frame rate capture of dynamic processes such as corrosion, and large-scale mapping of material structures.

The successful candidate will operate the HS-AFM instruments and be responsible for training users and running external research projects. They will contribute to reports to industrial partners, publications in academic journals, grant and fellowship applications, and co-supervision of student projects.

The role involves conducting materials research using HS-AFM instruments, including specimen preparation, training, data analysis for internal and external users, and designing new applications for the HS-AFM instruments. Maintenance of the microscopes and training users are also key responsibilities.

You will contribute to data collection, analysis, and report writing for industrial and academic collaborations, working with other researchers and students on scientific publications. You will also assist in writing risk assessments, method statements, and standard operating procedures.

There are opportunities to co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. You will be encouraged to contribute to research fellowships and grant proposals.

Requirements:

• PhD in materials science, physics, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with atomic force microscopes, electron microscopes, and data analysis tools (e.g., Gwyddion, MATLAB, ImageJ, Dragonfly). Experience training users is beneficial.
• Experience in writing scientific reports for academic publication and/or industry, and presenting work externally.