Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Chemistry

Research Associate in the Theory of Tuneable Optical Metamaterials

Salary range: £33,410 – £42,380 per annum (maximum starting salary £37,070)

Fixed term appointment for up to 2 years

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to work as a theorist on the project related to creation of novel, self-assembling, electrochemically based, voltage controlled nanoplasmonic systems and devices. You will work in the group of Theoretical Chemical Physics of Prof A.A. Kornyshev in close cooperation with the experimental groups of Prof A. Kucernak and Dr J. Edel (for which a similar appointment of an experimentalist PDRA is already in place). For information on the main research themes in these groups see www.imperial.ac.uk/people/a.kornyshev/, http://www.ch.imperial.ac.uk/kucernak/ ,http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/edelgroup. The work of the theorist and the experimentalist on this project will be intertwined and imbedded into the overall activities of the mentioned groups.

The successful candidate will play a key role in an EPSRC-funded large research project, based at Imperial College London, which also includes the participation of overseas academic and industrial partners. The project is devoted to the creation of novel metamaterials based on electrotuneable self-assemblying of metallic or composed nanoparticles at liquid-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces. These will be targeted on detection of trace amounts of hazardous molecules (illegal substances, environmental pollutants, bacteria or viruses) as well on creation of electrovariable nanophotonic devices, mirrors, windows and optical switches. The position offers a unique opportunity to acquire experience doing theoretical research at the cutting edge of nanoscience, nanophotonics, physical chemistry and electrochemistry of smart materials — within a world-class academic multidisciplinary environment.

The successful candidate must have a PhD (or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and/or experience) in Physical Sciences.  They must have a solid background and experience of research in theoretical condensed matter physics, statistical mechanics, or theoretical physical chemistry. A working knowledge of modern optics, nanophotonics/plasmonics, and expertise in computing and scientific programming is essential for this project, as well as keen interest in working and eagerness to learn in the interdisciplinary area of the project at the interface of physics, physical chemistry and nano-engineering. Proven publication track record in refereed journals, first rate professional skills, and a good standard of written and spoken English are essential. Practical experience of work in a research environment as part of a research team, excellent problem solving and organizational skills, being pro-active and able to interact successfully with international partners, as well as leadership skills or the potential to develop them are expected.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially but are to be awarded their PhD could be appointed first as Research Assistant within the salary range £29,350 – £32,520 per annum.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Kornyshev at a.kornyshev@imperial.ac.uk

Our preferred method of application is online via http://www.imperial.ac.uk/employment (please, select “Job Search”, then enter the job title or vacancy reference number into “Keywords” – vacancy refNS 2015 090 AS. Please complete and upload an application form as directed, also providing a CV including a list of publications. Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online, please contact – Mrs Althea Hartley-Forbes, Sectional Administrator, e-mail: a.hartley-forbes@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: 21 June 2015

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.