Research Assistant / Associate in Magnetization Dynamics: Two Positions in Magnetic Dynamics for Neuromorphic Computing

South Kensington Campus

Salary Range: Research Assistant: £38,194 - £41,388 per annum  

Salary  Range:  Research Associate: £43,093 - £50,834 per annum

Full Time, Fixed Term: 24 months starting from April 2023

Summary of Posts

Applications are invited for self-motivated individuals to join our exciting research into new nanomagnetic and magneto-optic technologies.

We have had a number of synergistic recent breakthroughs on low-power neuromorphic computing (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01091-7), low-power all-optical magnetic writing https://arxiv.org/abs/2112.00697 and functional magnonics. We are looking for two motivated PDRAs, keen to join us and explore the potential for groundbreaking future low-carbon technology, and study the fascinating underlying physics to  join the Experimental Solid-State Physics group in the Department of Physics, under the supervision of Dr Will Branford.

Successful candidates will work in a team applying these techniques to neuromorphic computing with nanomagnet arrays (See, e.g. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01091-7). There will also be a requirement work on the commercialisation of the IP associated with the project.

1: Magneto-optics post: This post is co-supervised by Prof Rupert Oulton. The project studying magneto-optical writing and reading from ferromagnetic nanostructures. (See recent work at https://arxiv.org/abs/2112.00697.) This will involve the application and development of magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy and Time Resolved (TR) MOKE microscopy. MOKE microscopy will be applied as a tool to read the individual states in large nano-magnetic arrays to accompany our recently discovered all optical writing method. TR MOKE will be used to study optical switching in magnetic nanostructures.

2: Functional Magnonics / Microwave Dynamics post: This post is co-supervised by Prof Hide Kurebayashi (UCL). The project involves studying GHz dynamics in magnetic nanostructures for reconfigurable functional  magnonic devices including neuromorphic computing. This will involve the fabrication of reconfigurable magnonic crystals and local microwave input and detection structures, such as nano-antennas, and microwave measurements (FMR) of the fabricated structures.

Duties and responsibilities

The post holder will contribute to independent and original research within the Experimental Solid-State Physics Group, submit publications to refereed journals and assist with the administration of the Research Group. You will be self-motivated and be able to work alongside and aid graduate students. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with theoreticians in other groups of the Department of Physics is an important aspect of this project. The post holder will contribute to independent and original research within the Experimental Solid-State Physics Group, submit publications to refereed journals and assist with the administration of the Research Group

Essential requirements

You will have a PhD (or equivalent) in Physical Science or a closely related discipline

In addition to the above, it is essential to the project that you are able to demonstrate:

• Evidence of outstanding promise and originality in research, demonstrated by a good publication record, commensurate with your career stage
• Experience in Ultrafast Spectroscopy (Post 1) OR microwave measurements (Post 2)
• Experience in magnetic thin films & nanostructures

In addition, experience in the following areas is desirable:

• Experience in magneto optical Kerr effect microscopy (Post 1)
• Experience in microwave antenna design and fabrication (Post 2)
• Experience in nanoscale magnetism
• Experience in artificial spin ice
• Experience in instrumentation design and control

You will be self-motivated, capable of carrying out a complex research programme and capable of working alongside a collaborative group & supporting PhD students. This project involves a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research. Collaboration with theoreticians in other groups of the Physics Department is an important part of this project and consequently you will have good communication and project management skills.

Further information

Information about the Department of Physics, the Experimental Solid State Physics and the staff benefits that we offer can be found on our webpages.

This post is available for up to 24 months with an anticipated start date from April 2023.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum

Queries relating to the position should be directed to Dr Will Branford  email w.branford@imperial.ac.uk and Prof. Rupert Oulton (R.Oulton@imperial.ac.uk).

Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Mrs Juraci Didone, Section Administrator, email: j.didone@imperial.ac.uk

For technical issues when applying online, please contact: recruitment@imperial.ac.uk.

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