Research Associate in Operando X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Job reference: SAE-029167
Salary: £37,174 to £45,413 per annum dependent on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Chemistry
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 15/07/2025
Contract Duration: 24 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Background

Applications are invited for a research associate (PDRA) specializing in instrument development to join a joint project between the University of Manchester and Oxford University to develop operando cells for X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) under ambient conditions.

You will join a vibrant team of researchers and technical specialists with access to world-class X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy facilities and a proven track record of cutting-edge instrument development.

You will be based in the Photon Science Institute, a diverse and collaborative interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to characterization and instrument/technique development. You will also be affiliated with the department of chemistry, one of the largest and most research-intensive chemistry departments in the UK.

Applications are welcomed from individuals who hold a PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or another related field and have experience in the development of ultra-high vacuum instrumentation and/or technique development within X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The technique of “Near-Ambient Pressure XPS” has been a research tool for the past decade or so, enabling operando measurements of surface chemical processes. However, it is limited by low pressures (~ mbar) and complex, dedicated instrumentation, meaning it remains a relatively niche technique for energy materials researchers. Our collaborators in Oxford, Prof. Robert Weatherup and group, have developed operando cells which can perform XPS measurements in > 1 bar pressure, primarily demonstrating their use at synchrotron facilities (link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11244-018-1075-2) enabling the study of samples under realistic conditions (both > bar pressures of gas and liquids).

The purpose of this role is to work with the Weatherup group, industrial partners and our XPS technical team in Manchester to adapt their cell design for use in a conventional lab-source XPS instrument. By developing a user-friendly, safe and convenient platform for >1 bar operando XPS that can be retrofit into a standard XPS instrument we intend to transform it from a niche, specialist technique into an accessible research tool for academia and industry.

Once developed, the PDRA will be responsible for benchmarking their design for performance, reliability and safety. Finally, we will demonstrate them by using them to study key catalytic reactions important to the forthcoming energy transition.

The Department of Chemistry is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. Appointment will always be made on merit. For further information, please visit www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Alex Walton

Email: alex.walton@manchester.ac.uk

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