Senior Research Associate in thin film surface characterization for molecular electronics

The Department of Physics at Lancaster University invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on a collaborative EPSRC Programme Grant, 'Quantum engineering of energy-efficient molecular materials', (QMol).

The QMol project will develop new strategies in molecular electronics for controlling molecular conformation, switching in organic/organometallic compounds, and new methods of molecular assembly, which can be deployed in scalable architectures to develop flexible energy harvesting materials, low-power neuromorphic computing, smart textiles and self-powered patches for healthcare. In order to do this, we will use room-temperature quantum interference effects which can be scaled up from single molecules to self-assembled monolayers.

This position will contribute to these goals through advanced ultra-high vacuum (UHV) scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of highly ordered molecular films including the use of on-surface reactions to produce functional 2D covalent networks. This will involve fundamental studies of molecules designed to exploit room temperature quantum interference effects, the development of methods to grow multi-layer molecular structures, and atomic scale characterisation of device integrated materials.

You should (or shortly expect to) hold a PhD in experimental physics, chemistry, or a related discipline. You will need to be highly motivated and be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, ensuring that key milestones are reached. You must be able to independently design and execute research and have the knowledge and experience to optimise and troubleshoot. We provide a supportive, stimulating, and interdisciplinary research environment working towards ambitious new scientific and technological goals in collaboration with our colleagues in the project consortium.

Lancaster University is a leading UK University and the Physics Department is one of the top in the UK for research. REF2021 rated 98% of our research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent. The Department is ranked 5th in the UK for Physics in the Guardian University League Tables 2023., Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

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