Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.
Applications are invited for an experimental Research Assistant/Associate post from January 2023, for initially 2 years, within an EU-funded grant from the European Research Council (ERC) on extreme light confinement in ferroelectrics memories, ‘PlasmoFED’. The researcher will join the Di Martino Lab, which develops new ways to confine light in active devices to the nanometre scale, allowing opportunities for new types of in-operando optical characterization of thin film materials (see https://www.dimartinolab.msm.cam.ac.uk). The successful candidate will be developing ultrafast spectroscopy and nano-optics studies of nanostructures to explore and control nonlinear interactions within ferroelectric materials for non-volatile memory technologies and neuromorphic computing.
Project:
Plasmon-Enhanced FerroElectric Discovery (PlasmoFED). This project links low-energy nanoscale device engineering and plasmon-enhanced light-matter interactions by implementing optically accessible memory devices. It aims to investigate ferroelectric switching materials in ambient conditions, in real-time and in-situ during device operation. PlasmoFED will continue our work studying light confinement down to the atomic scale to understand the interaction of ferroelectric thin films with nanostructures. We work with a wide variety of constructs to study the real-time dynamics on these extreme nano-optics scales. This project will require experience in ultrafast spectroscopy, nano-optics, plasmonic spectroscopies, as well as a good knowledge and expertise in electrical characterization of nano-systems.
Job requirements:
Applicants should have or about to obtain a PhD in Physics or a related discipline, with experience in optical spectroscopy on the nanoscale and/or electrical characterization of nano-systems. They should expect to be involved in both construction of new high precision optical spectroscopy rigs using lasers as well as a variety of electrical characterization techniques. A key requirement is strong knowledge and experience on optical setups alignment and customisation a well as experience on ultrafast laser systems. Experience in electrical characterization on nano-systems would be desirable. A background in second harmonic generation within materials would be advantageous. In addition to proven experimental skills the candidate should ideally have experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to conduct the project between the different partners.
The successful candidate will join the Di Martino Lab (https://www.dimartinolab.msm.cam.ac.uk), as part of the Device Materials Group, Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, which is world leading in the field of nanoscience. The Di Martino Lab collaborates widely across the University of Cambridge including the Departments of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics as well as many international partners, industry, with several major EU programmes. Recent publications can be seen on our website (above). Dr Di Martino is an acknowledged leader in linking the fields of nanoscale device engineering and plasmon-enhanced light-matter interactions.
We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.
Applications, include a curriculum vitae, covering letter, a personal statement detailing experimental skills and accomplishments to date (up to 1000 words) and a publications list.
Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please refer any queries to Dr Giuliana Di Martino by email: gd392@cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference LJ37847 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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.Apply online
DEPARTMENT/LOCATION
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, West Cambridge
SALARY
£29,605-£44,263
REFERENCE
LJ37847
CATEGORY
PUBLISHED
1 August 2023
CLOSING DATE
24 September 2023