Senior Research Associate

The role

This post holder will be nanofabricating small crystals of quantum materials (QMs), and characterising their electronic properties. Focussed ion beam (FIB) microscopes will be key for fabrication, leveraging the recent acquisition of two new FIBs in the School of Physics, including a plasma FIB, with options to etch with various ion sources. The project goal is to probe the properties of a range of QMs with differing dimensionality: for example many bulk QMs reside in a crossover region between one-dimensional or two-dimensional behaviour. This project aims to transform our understanding of these types of materials by fabricating structures and devices which allow us to probe the transport in very specific directions, and tune the inter-chain or plane coupling in well-defined nano-regions.

You will develop a toolbox of FIB techniques, and then apply a number of low temperature experimental probes to understand these QMs, such as their magnetotransport, thermal transport and specific heat. You will also design experiments to tune the coupling between the chains or planes of the materials. 

What will you be doing?

Micro- and nano-fabrication of QMs. Using the new state-of-the-art dual beam FIB microscopes to optimize etching techniques, as well as characterizing and exploiting the deposition of metals, superconductors and insulators with the FIB.
Measure the magnetotransport, and other properties of patterned QMs. The nano-structures will be measured using various thermodynamic and transport experiments. Typical measurements will be down to liquid helium temperatures, and high magnetic fields in Bristol, or at external Facilities.
Conduct ground-breaking research. We will use the above set-ups to perform ground-breaking original research in various QMs. The ultimate aims are to provide key insights about the nature of their electronic properties, and tuning those properties (e.g. with dimensionality, strain).

You should apply if

You are excited about undertaking research in the very active area of QMs, FIB nanofabrication and the prospect to make some high-impact contributions to the field.
You have a strong track record in research, with relevant experience, e.g.: conducting experiments at cryogenic temperatures, working with superconducting magnets, FIB microscopy, experimental development, electrical/ thermal transport measurements.
You have a PhD in Physics or related subject, or you are close to completion of a PhD
You are keen to work in a dynamic team with other postdocs and PhD students.
You are someone who can get up to speed quickly, thrives on digesting lots of information, is mindful of competing priorities, and can drive activity forward.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 30/04/2027

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 29/05/2024

For informal queries, please contact christopher.bell@bristol.ac.uk

Interviews are anticipated to take place on 11/06/24

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