Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Location: ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire

Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract: Fixed Term until 31st January 2026 with no possibility for extension.

About Us:

The ISIS Neutron & Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials at the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers and on to fundamental studies of materials.

About The Job:

The ISIS facility seeks to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on the project “Spin-orbit coupling and dimensionality at the heart of quantum magnetism of heavy transition metal oxides”. The project is jointly funded between ISIS Facility (led by Dr Devashibhai Adroja) and University College London (UCL, led by Dr Robin Perry). The research project is focused on experimental condensed matter physics to investigate novel quantum materials, particularly the quantum spin liquid states of matter, which are generally characterised by their long-range quantum entanglement, fractionalised excitations, and absence of ordinary magnetic order, using multiple experimental techniques along with the materials synthesis.

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities:

The work will involve the synthesis of various quantum materials based on heavy transition metal oxides in polycrystalline form, and the subsequent characterisation of their structural and physical (magnetic and transport) properties using ISIS Material Characterisation Laboratory (MCL) in collaboration with Dr Gavin Stenning. The selected materials will be further investigated using multiple advanced characterisation techniques, such as neutron scattering and muon spin rotations. You will play a leading role in neutron and muon data analysis and dissemination of the results. Communication skills for disseminating the results within the team communication framework and during virtual, internal discussions, and subsequently in potential publications are important requirements of the position.

Person Specification:

You should be trained in experimental solid-state synthesis; synthesis of transition metal based oxide materials and have some experience of low-temperature physical properties measurements techniques. Training will be provided for the low-temperature physical properties measurements at ISIS MCL if needed.

You will also:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline.
• Experience of solid state synthesis of polycrystalline transition metal oxides materials.
• Experience of x-ray powder diffraction technique.
• Experience of muon spin rotation or neutron scattering experiments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to write and produce scientific papers and present results at conferences.

Benefits 

STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days) and excellent learning and development opportunities. Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

How to Apply

For full details on the role, please visit our careers site (via the 'Apply' button above). Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that clearly showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role. 

Closing date 16^th July 2025

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