Postdoctoral Research Assistant

About the Role
Applications are invited for a full time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to work on a European Research Council funded project in the group of Dr Joe Briscoe.

The project aims to develop new routes to high efficiency solar energy conversion – both for photovoltaics (PV) and photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) – by producing nanocomposite thin films of ferroelectric and photoactive materials. Ferroelectric nanostructures will be developed that demonstrate a bulk photovoltaic effect, which will then be coupled to high efficiency light absorbers. These nanocomposites will be studied in detail using both experimental and computational techniques in order to understand and thus optimise their interactions and ultimately the device efficiency.

There are two main aspects of this role. The first is to support the development of experiments to measure the properties of PEC devices based on the nanocomposite materials. This will include setting up of optical and electrochemical measurements. The second aspect is to assist in the development of theoretical models to describe the behaviour of the nanocomposite devices, supported and validated by data obtained from experiments. The role therefore will require a dedicated individual who is willing to carry out both experimental and theoretical work. You will work closely with other members of the project team, including two other postdocs and three PhD students, and wider group members. You will be expected to take on a leadership role within the group, helping to supervise PhD and MSc students, as well as contributing to the day-to-day management of Dr Briscoe’s research laboratory.

About You
Applicants should have or be about to complete a PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics, or equivalent. Experience of photoelectrochemical measurements is essential. Applications should also have experience of materials synthesis (ideally via solution processing) and characterisation techniques. Knowledge and experience of ferroelectric materials is also desirable, as is experience of setting up and carrying out opto-electronic measurements.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

The post is based at the Mile End Campus in London. It is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term appointment for 1 year, with an expected start date of April 2023. The starting salary will be Grade 4, in the range of £33,619 - £40,386 per annum depending on experience, inclusive of London Allowance.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Joe Briscoe at j.briscoe@qmul.ac.uk.

To apply for the role, please click the ‘apply’.

The closing date for applications is 15 February 2023.

Interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter.

Valuing Diversity and Committed to Equality

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