PDRA in Theoretical Electron Microscopy

Department
The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan silver awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work.

The SySTEMatic group, based in the School of Physics Engineering and Technology at the University of York develops advanced electron microscopy imaging methods. Led by Dr Laura Clark, the group focuses on phase-contrast and 4D-STEM methods, using a combination of theoretical, computational and experimental electron microscopy approaches.

Role
We seek to recruit a PDRA to progress recent work understanding the fundamental limits of 4D-STEM and electron ptychography across different imaging conditions. In this role, the candidate will explore these limits from a theoretical framework. There is potential for this work to extend to computational and experimental studies. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate both enthusiasm for, and experience in, the mathematical modelling and understanding of electron microscopy imaging.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications Needed
You will have:

• PhD in physics or related area, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and enthusiasm for mathematical modelling of electron microscopy.
• Knowledge and understanding of 4D-STEM or ptychography imaging to engage in high-quality research.
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing.
• Competency to generate, collect, analyse and interpret research data.
• Experience in the mathematical modelling and understanding of electron microscopy imaging.
• Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high quality.

This is a fixed-term contract up to 29 February 2028.

Interview date: to be confirmed.

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Laura Clark at laura.a.clark@york.ac.uk or the PET Admin team at pet-admin@york.ac.uk.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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