Research Assistant/ Research Associate position using optical spectroscopy to investigate strain in soft crystalline semiconductors

Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant/Research Associate (PDRA) to work on a project entitled ’Manipulating strain in soft crystalline semiconductors’ funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The work brings together the expertise of Dr Sam Stranks (University of Cambridge) in materials and device spectroscopy, Prof. Aron Walsh (Imperial College London) in computational materials modelling and Dr Paul Quinn (Diamond Light Source) in synchrotron-based imaging and microscopy. Whilst being an established approach for tetrahedral semiconductors such as Si, strain engineering is unexplored for a new generation of materials with flexible structure including halide perovskites. The overall aim is to develop a thorough understanding of electro-chemo-mechanical coupling in these materials and exploit this understanding to demonstrate novel optoelectronic behaviour with applications in solar cells, lighting, sensors, and information storage.

The successful PDRA candidate for this experimental post will join the research group of Dr Sam Stranks (https://www.strankslab.com/). The group is also part of the Optoelectronics Group (http://www.oe.phy.cam.ac.uk/), collectively providing access to world-leading expertise and facilities in the field of organic and hybrid electronics. The PDRA will utilise existing, and develop new, luminescence microscope setups in the lab to probe and manipulate strain in-situ in halide perovskite semiconductor samples. They will also work together with Diamond beamline scientists and other group members to perform complementary diffraction measurements to measure strain. They will work closely with the PDRA on this project at Imperial (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/description/ENG01817/research-associate-modelling-perovskite-solar-cells/) to establish a strong experimental computational team with close integration between the developments.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or a related area. A proven track record of scientific publication and presentation at international conferences is essential. Experience in performing time-resolved optical spectroscopy of semiconductor materials is essential including, but not limited to, time-resolved photoluminescence and/or pump-probe techniques including transient absorption. Experience with microscale optical spectroscopy is highly desired. Strong optics experience including building and/or adapting setups is essential. Direct experience working with halide perovskites is highly desired but not essential. Research student supervision will also be expected, and existing evidence of the ability to do so would be a plus.

We particularly encourage those candidates typically underrepresented in the STEM area to apply.

Appointment as a Research Associate is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded. The Research Assistant salary (Grade 5) falls within the range £26,715 to £30,942.

Applications will be rapidly reviewed after the closing date and online interviews conducted shortly thereafter. The candidate would start on 1st January 2022 or as soon as possible after that date.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2025 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Click the ’Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Sam Stranks - sds65@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference NQ27836 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.