Research Fellow in Experimental Quantum Materials Research

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974. Grade: 7

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

As Research Fellow, you will create new knowledge and understanding of the role of correlated disorder in determining the properties of quantum materials by undertaking experimental materials research. As part of a project team in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham and at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, you will work to deliver the aims of a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant in this field.

A two-year postdoctoral research position is available for exceptional candidates with expertise in experimental materials research. This position forms part of an interdisciplinary team based in the group of Dr Lucy Clark in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, working with experimental condensed matter physicists at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. 

This position is funded through the Leverhulme Research Project Grant Unravelling Correlated Disorder in Quantum Materials. An emerging challenge at the forefront of quantum materials research is the complexity induced by the possibility for correlated structural disorder. This project aims to understand the role of correlated structural disorder in quantum materials and establish its relationship with their exotic properties. We welcome applications from ambitious researchers with the skills to contribute to delivering this project goal

Role Summary

This role involves:

• Working within the project team for the Leverhulme Research Project on Unravelling Correlated Disorder in Quantum Materials.
• Leading the development of synthesis methodologies for quantum materials to be studied by X-ray and neutron scattering experiments to generate an understanding of average and local structure-property relationships.
• Working across the discipline boundaries of materials chemistry and physics, experiment and theory with the support of the wider project team.

Main Duties

You will develop the research objectives of the Leverhulme Research Project by:

• Applying your knowledge and expertise to develop new intellectual understanding of correlated disorder in quantum materials.
• Designing new materials synthesis strategies to target the discovery and synthesis of a range of quantum materials.
• Leading the characterisation of quantum materials using magnetometry facilities at the University of Birmingham.
• Contributing to the design and proposal of central facilities experiments.
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting diffraction data to understand local structure-property relationships in quantum materials.

Person Specification

• A first degree in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science, and a PhD (or one near to completion) in Solid-State Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or a related discipline. 
• A demonstrable ability and experience in the synthesis of crystalline materials as well as their structure-property characterisation by, e.g., crystallography, diffraction, magnetometry.
• A demonstrable ability to communicate research clearly through a track record of high-quality publications and presentations.

Informal enquiries to Dr Lucy Clark, l.m.clark@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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