PhD Studentship/Marie Skłodowska-Curie ESR Fellowship at the National Physical Laboratory: Scanning probe microscopies for nanoscale fast, topographic and composition imaging

Wage: £40,000
Location: Teddington

Applications are invited for the post of Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN researcher at the National Physical Laboratory. This post is only open to applicants who have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment (short stays & holidays are not included). Applicants must also satisfy the EC’s eligibility requirements for ESR Fellowships and be in the first 4 years (full time equivalent research experience) of their research career (i.e. from the date of their obtaining a degree that would entitle them to start a doctorate) and have not been awarded a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment. In line with current UK immigration guidelines, the National Physical Laboratory is only able to employ individuals who have an existing right to work in the UK.

The position is available from July 2017 and is funded by the H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action Innovative Training Network SPM2.0 – Scanning probe microscopies for nanoscale fast, topographic and composition imaging. The project is part of a European wide collaboration to train researchers in the most advanced SPM techniques able to address the challenge of sub-surface, high speed and compositional imaging of materials with sub-10 nm resolution.

Note: The UK government have pledged to guarantee funding for those European projects that are in progress after the UK exits the EU. The project will focus on the development of advanced nanoscale measurements based on scanning probe microscopy, including tip enhanced optical spectroscopy (photoluminescence, Raman) and electrical measurements for the characterisation of nanoelectronic materials such as nanowires, 2D materials, organic and printed electronics, as well as associated modelling. The student will be encouraged to present his/her results in conferences and publish high-quality scientific papers.

Desirable skills and experience

The successful candidate will have a good first degree in Physics or a related discipline and be enthusiastic about tackling challenging tasks. Although not necessary requirements, preference will be given for candidates with some experience in at least one of the following: scanning probe based methods (e.g. AFM, electrical modes, mechanical modes…), spectroscopy (e.g. PL, Raman), MATLAB (or similar). The position requires hands-on work with highly advanced characterisation techniques and close interaction with both academic and industrial partners.

Further Information

This is a fixed term position for 36 months. Applicants will be employed by NPL and will be expected to register for a PhD with the University of Surrey within the Centre for Doctoral Training in Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies (MiNMat). This is an interdisciplinary project and will include opportunities for secondments and training with other European partners. The Fellowship will provide a salary of around €40,000 p.a. that includes a living and mobility allowance. An additional allowance is available under certain circumstances.