Research Associate in Experimental Physics of Nanostructures

Ref: A777

Salary: £25,504 - £29,541

Closing Date: 20 September 2013

The Nanoscale Microscopy Group at Physics Department, University of Lancaster is seeking an enthusiastic and creative scientist to work on chemically sensitive spectroscopic infrared (IR) nanoscale probe microscopy using unique 4th generation prototype free electron laser (FEL) at Daresbury. New nanoscale biospectroscopic approach should aid the diagnosis of these disorders and advance the development of cheap portable instruments based on novel technologies. The project will explore application of a novel approach for monitoring the interactions between pathogens, pharmaceuticals and relevant cells or tissues. This is a collaborative work between Lancaster and Cardiff Universities, University of Liverpool and University of Manchester.

You will be required to develop chemically sensitive scanning probe microscopy based on nanomechanical and thermal detection of spectrally varying pulsed IR light. The research will involve exploration of involved physical mechanisms, interpretation of observed phenomena, measurements of biological samples and multi-dimensional processing of spectroscopic data.

You must have at least a PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Material Science or a closely related subject. You should demonstrate an avid experience as an experimental physicist, able to perform precision, high sensitivity measurements of properties of physical systems, preferably in application to nanostructures. Specialist expertise in advanced scanning probe microscopy and/or thermal nanoscale measurements will be a strong advantage. Experience in computer – experiment interfacing and multidimensional data processing and data mining would also be an advantage. You should be a good communicator and able to lead research publications in the high impact journals. You are expected to successfully work as part of a team, with good inter-personal skills, and demonstrate a proven publication record.

The Lancaster group researchers had already made significant contribution to nanoscale probing of physical properties, including pioneering of nano-manipulation of ferroelectric domains, inventing ultrasonic force microscopy for material sensitive surface and sub-surface imaging, thermal diffusivity mapping of nanostructures using picosecond laser acoustics and a novel photo-thermal micro-spectroscopy technique for identifying adult stem cells.

The Physics Department at the University of Lancaster in the RAE2001 Research Assessment Exercise gained the highest rating 5*A, the only such physics department outside the London/Oxbridge triangle. It conducts world-leading research in nanoelectronics and photonics; quantum turbulence and condensed-matter cosmological analogues; non-linear dynamics; curvature and density perturbations in the early universe; B-physics and QCD.

We are strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our department.

This is a fixed term appointment for 2.5 years from October 2013.

Applicants may find some helpful information on local amenities here:

http://www.physics.lancs.ac.uk/jobs/amenities/.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Oleg Kolosov (o.kolosov@lancaster.ac.uk).

For further information and to apply online, please click on the Apply button below.