Senior Research Associate in Molecular Electronics for Next-Generation Memristors

The Experimental Molecular Electronics Group in the Department of Physics at Lancaster University invite applications for a Senior Research Associate position within the EPSRC-funded Memristive Organometallic Devices formed from Self-Assembled Multilayers (MemOD) programme at Lancaster University.

The post is available for 30 months. You must have earned a PhD in experimental physics, physical chemistry or a related field by the start date. Further criteria are given in the attached job description and person specification.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Benjamin Robinson (b.j.robinson@lancaster.ac.uk)  for further information on the position before submitting their application.

The MemOD programme is a cutting-edge research initiative aimed at transforming artificial intelligence (AI) and computing. This interdisciplinary collaboration between Lancaster University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Durham seeks to develop high-performance memory devices using self-assembled molecular technology. These novel memory architectures have the potential to deliver faster, more efficient, and energy-saving computing solutions.

As a Senior Research Associate, you will be responsible for the fabrication and characterisation of molecular thin films for next-generation memristor devices. You will have access to Lancaster’s state-of-the-art thin-film fabrication facilities and scanning probe microscopes, allowing you to explore the electrical transport properties of ultra-thin organic and organometallic structures and devices. Prior experience in molecular assembly and characterisation of organic materials using scanning probe microscopy is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will:

• Have expertise in experimental molecular-scale electronics including molecular thin-film assembly and characterisation of organic materials.
• Be able to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Be capable of leading discussions and presenting research updates in group meetings and project consortium discussions.
• Expertise in scanning probe microscopy and knowledge of memristor technology and molecular-scale electrical transport would be advantageous but not essential.

Key responsibilities of the role are:

• Fabrication of Organic and Organometallic Thin Films: Deposit organic/organometallic materials using techniques such as molecular self-assembly, Langmuir-Blodgett deposition, drop casting, or spin coating.
• Thin Film Characterisation: Use scanning probe microscopy and other techniques to characterise thin-film materials.
• Research Leadership & Collaboration: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams across Lancaster, Cambridge, and Durham. Lead discussions and provide research updates in consortium meetings.
• Project Management: Plan and prioritise research activities, ensuring key milestones are met.
• Scientific Communication: Contribute to publications in high-quality journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Mentorship & Laboratory Management: Supervise and support PhD and Masters students while contributing to the day-to-day management of laboratory resources.

You will be part of a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, working towards real-world impact in the fields of AI, quantum materials, and sustainable computing while supporting the UK’s Net Zero mission. The MemOD team is at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, including room-temperature logic-in-memory operations, advanced molecular anchoring techniques, and CMOS-compatible graphene electrodes.

You will join an interdisciplinary team of physicists and chemists under the supervision of Professor Benjamin Robinson at Lancaster University’s Department of Physics. You will also collaborate closely with the wider MemOD team, including:

• Professor Chris Ford (Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge)
• Professor Martin Bryce (Department of Chemistry, University of Durham)
• Professor Colin Lambert (Department of Physics, Lancaster University)

As part of the application process, candidates will need to upload a CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and research interests. They will also be asked to provide supporting statements to demonstrate how they meet the criteria detaile din the ‘person specification’ for the role. These responses will be “scored” as part of the shortlisting process.

For more information on Molecular Scale Electronics research at Lancaster University visit www.lancaster.ac.uk/materials-science/research/molecular-scale-electronics.

For more information on research in the Department of Physics please visit www.physics.lancs.ac.uk/research/.ac.uk/shm/research.