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Position Details

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

Closing date: 19th September 2024

Travel may be required for this role

Background

As Research Fellow, you will create new knowledge and understanding of the role of correlated disorder in determining the properties of quantum materials by undertaking experimental materials research. As part of a project team in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham and at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, you will work to deliver the aims of a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant in this field.

A two-year postdoctoral research position is available for exceptional candidates with expertise in experimental materials research. This position forms part of an interdisciplinary team based in the group of Dr Lucy Clark in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, working with experimental condensed matter physicists at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

This position is funded through the Leverhulme Research Project Grant Unravelling Correlated Disorder in Quantum Materials. An emerging challenge at the forefront of quantum materials research is the complexity induced by the possibility for correlated structural disorder. This project aims to understand the role of correlated structural disorder in quantum materials and establish its relationship with their exotic properties. We welcome applications from ambitious researchers with the skills to contribute to delivering this project goal

Role Summary

This role involves:

• Working within the project team for the Leverhulme Research Project on Unravelling Correlated Disorder in Quantum Materials.
• Leading the development of synthesis methodologies for quantum materials to be studied by X-ray and neutron scattering experiments to generate an understanding of average and local structure-property relationships.
• Working across the discipline boundaries of materials chemistry and physics, experiment and theory with the support of the wider project team.

Main Duties

You will develop the research objectives of the Leverhulme Research Project by:

• Applying your knowledge and expertise to develop new intellectual understanding of correlated disorder in quantum materials.
• Designing new materials synthesis strategies to target the discovery and synthesis of a range of quantum materials.
• Leading the characterisation of quantum materials using magnetometry facilities at the University of Birmingham.
• Contributing to the design and proposal of central facilities experiments.
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting diffraction data to understand local structure-property relationships in quantum materials.
• Facilitating the exchange of ideas and project development through regularly reporting results to the project team.
• Disseminating research outputs by preparing high-quality publications and delivering research seminars and conference presentations.
• Supervising students on research-related work and providing guidance to PhD students working alongside the project team.
• Playing an active role in the scientific life and activities in the School of Chemistry.
• Promoting and valuing equality and diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

Person Specification

• A first degree in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science, and a PhD (or one near to completion) in Solid-State Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• A demonstrable ability and experience in the synthesis of crystalline materials as well as their structure-property characterisation by, e.g., crystallography, diffraction, magnetometry.
• A demonstrable ability to communicate research clearly through a track record of high-quality publications and presentations.
• A demonstrable ability to contribute to the planning and organising of research, both independently and as part of a team.
• You will report to Dr Lucy Clark.
• Direct supervision will be provided weekly, in addition to monthly project team meetings at which you will present recent results and future plans.
• You will be required to make formal presentations of your work at project meetings and proactively contribute to the wider discussion.
You will be required to work flexibly to make optimal use of equipment time and to attend off-site meetings and experiments involving overnight travel and out-of-hours working.

Informal enquiries to Dr Lucy Clark, l.m.clark@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy . You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .