Research Fellow in High-Throughput Thin Film Material Research

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to work in the School of Chemistry and Chemical engineering who will contribute to the execution of a 3 year EPSRC funded research project. The Project is led by Prof Goran Mashanovich from the Optical Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton, with Prof David Thomson (ORC) and Dr Samuel Guérin (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering). The project aims to look at efficient silicon modulators with reduced power consumption. The present position will look at material discovery and optimisation via high-throughput thin film methodology using the facilities at the Material Innovation Laboratory (ex. ACMF). Thin film material optimisation will use synthesis by thermal evaporation in ultra-high vacuum environment combined with automated characterisation techniques. Optimised materials will be tested for device suitability and integrated in prototypes.

This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic and ambitious experimental researcher with interests in developing novel modulators, high throughput methodologies and being part of a team taking novel materials to develop prototypes. The successful candidate should have a first-hand experimental knowledge in vacuum technology and thin film deposition techniques, with a keen interest in high-throughput technology. The research fellow will join a unique research group who are interested in the development and application of high throughput techniques to the discovery and optimisation of novel materials with application in electronics, energy and environmental landscapes.

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent professional qualification in Physical Chemistry or related discipline, and a track record of academic and research excellence. The ideal candidate should have prior experience and expertise in working with ultra-high vacuum systems and thermal evaporation techniques. Potential candidates should also demonstrate an ability to write research papers independently, present their work at international conferences and be able to work successfully with multidisciplinary teams.  Additional experience in high-throughput material research with particular emphasis on coding would be desirable.

The project will be supervised by Dr Samuel Guérin, from the Energy and Electrochemistry group in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and will involve collaborations with a consortium of academics. Applicants must therefore have a strong interest and motivation for interdisciplinary research.  For additional information, please contact Dr Samuel Guérin (bsg@soton.ac.uk ).

Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.