Research Assistant or Associate Catalysis Plasmonics

Location: South Kensington

Applications are invited for enthusiastic individuals with experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics, chemical physics and/or nanofabrication to join our research team in the Matter Community in the Department of Physics at Imperial.

You will be joining the Physics team study photocatalysis through the interactions of electron and phonons at the interface of molecules and plasmonic nanostructures. Techniques include stokes and anti-stokes Raman spectroscopy and thermometry as well as ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy.

We work closely with the department of Materials at Imperial who provide density functional calculations at molecule-metal surfaces to provide electron and vibrational states.

What you would be doing:

The successful candidate will be part of our Catalysis Plasmonics (CPLAS) research programme. CPLAS aims to transform the field of chemical catalysis by harnessing the reaction-promoting physics of hot electrons in metals with the chemistry of photo-catalysis. The transformative impact of this new field of plasmocatalysis will be in a significant reduction of energy requirements in key reactions in energy conversion, environmental protection, and pharmaceutical synthesis with exquisite control of reaction pathways via optical means. This interdisciplinary research programme combines the skills of physicists, materials scientists, and chemists from across Imperial College London, King’s College London, and the UK Catalysis Hub including the Universities of Cardiff, Bath and Manchester

What we are looking for:

• Someone to carry out research on the Physics of Catalysis Plasmonics including experiments in microscopy, spectroscopy, and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy on metallic nanostructured devices.
• Develop and run optical experiments to study the interaction of electrons and phonon and molecule-metal interfaces
• To maintain and develop a research collaboration across the departments of Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science at Imperial, and with researchers at King's College London, Cardiff, Bath and Manchester.
• With evidence of outstanding promise and originality in research, demonstrated by a good publication record, commensurate with your career stage, with experience of writing in research papers.
• Experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics and/or metamaterials
• Knowledge of experimental methods in optics, research methods and statistical procedures

What we can offer you:

•  The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
  
  
•  Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
  
  
•  Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
  
  
•  Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant

This role is for a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you experience any technical issues applying online, please email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk.

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