Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

Location: West Cambridge

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance. The post should ideally start 1st September 2023. 

The successful candidate will join the Di Martino Lab (https://www.dimartinolab.msm.cam.ac.uk), as part of the Device Materials Group, University of Cambridge, which is world leading in the field of nanoscience.

Applications are invited for an experimental Research Assistant/Associate exploring ferroelectrics memories based on binary oxides using plasmon enhanced spectroscopy. The aim is to provide critical knowledge for materials and device engineers to guide the creation of devices of unparalleled performance. New abilities to confine light to the nanometre scale developed by us give a host of opportunities for new types of in-operando optical characterization of thin film materials (see https://www.dimartinolab.msm.cam.ac.uk/Publications). You will be developing nano-optics studies of nanoparticles and nanostructures to explore and control nonlinear interactions within ferroelectric materials in precise geometries at the nanoscale. 

Project: Plasmon-Enhanced FerroElectric Discovery.

This project will continue our work studying light confinement down to the atomic scale to study the interaction with ferroelectric thin films and nanostructures. We work with a wide variety of constructs to study the real-time dynamics on these extreme nano-optics scales. This will require experience in ultrafast, nano-optics, plasmonics, as well as a good theoretical understanding. A key requirement is strong knowledge and experience on ultrafast laser systems.

Job requirements: 

Applicants should have or about to obtain a PhD in Physics or a related discipline, with experience in optical measurements on the nanoscale and/or electrical characterization of nano-systems. A key requirement is strong knowledge and experience on optical setup alignment and customisation a well as experience on ultrafast laser systems. A background in second harmonic generation within materials would be desirable. In addition to proven experimental skills the candidate should ideally have experience in working across disciplinary boundaries. They should expect to be involved in both construction of new high precision optical spectroscopy rigs using lasers as well as a variety of chemical sample preparations or synthesis. Experience in the field of plasmonics or metamaterials would be helpful. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to conduct the project between the different partners.

The Di Martino Lab collaborates widely across the University of Cambridge including the Departments of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics as well as many international partners, industry, with several major EU programmes. Recent publications can be seen on our website (above). Dr Di Martino is an acknowledged leader in linking the fields of nanoscale device engineering and plasmon-enhanced light-matter interactions.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department/institution/Faculty/School/University.

Applications, include a curriculum vitae, covering letter, a personal statement detailing experimental skills and accomplishments to date (up to 1000 words) and a publications list.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/40027.

Please refer any queries to Dr Giuliana Di Martino by email: gd392@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LJ35885 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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