The University of St Andrews is inviting applications for a Lecturer in Advanced/Photonic Materials in the School of Physics and Astronomy. This is a full-time, permanent academic position based in St Andrews, Scotland. The role is suitable for an experimental physicist with a growing international research reputation in advanced materials, photonics, or related applications. The successful candidate should have a clear future research plan, strong teaching ability, and credible plans to secure research funding through grant applications aligned with UKRI priorities. This lecturer job offers a salary of £47,389 to £58,226 per year, plus strong staff benefits including annual leave, pension, relocation support subject to eligibility, and training opportunities. The start date is as soon as possible, and the application deadline is 6 July 2026.
Key Information
Opportunity Type Lecturer
Field Advanced Materials, Photonic Materials, Experimental Physics
Institution University of St Andrews
School School of Physics and Astronomy
Location St Andrews, United Kingdom
Contract Type Full-time, permanent
Salary £47,389 to £58,226 per annum
Start Date As soon as possible
Application Deadline 6 July 2026
Interview Date 26 August 2026
Job Reference AC2483DD / 467532
Informal Contact Jonathan Keeling, hospanda@st-andrews.ac.uk
Benefits & Funding Details
This is a salary-funded permanent lecturer position. The annual salary is £47,389 to £58,226, making it a strong opportunity for researchers ready to move into a long-term academic role in experimental physics.
The University of St Andrews offers a wide benefits package. Staff receive 34 days of annual leave plus 5 public holidays. Eligible applicants may receive a financial contribution toward relocation. The role also includes access to the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
Other benefits include a hybrid working environment where appropriate, family‑friendly policies, staff discounts, free staff parking, carshare and cycle‑to‑work schemes, subsidised local bus travel, subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, library access, LinkedIn Learning, and professional development opportunities.
For research career growth, this role is valuable because the School has advanced fabrication and characterisation laboratories. These facilities may support strong projects in photonic materials, advanced devices, nanomaterials, optical systems, and materials‑based experimental physics.
Eligibility Criteria
Required
Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a closely related discipline.
Candidates must have a growing international research reputation in the applications of advanced materials and/or photonics. They should also show a clear vision for future research and impact.
Excellent teaching skills are essential. The successful candidate must be able to teach Physics to undergraduate and taught postgraduate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
A demonstrated interest in the translation of research is also required. In this context, translation means moving research toward practical use, wider impact, innovation, or real‑world application.
Preferred
Strong candidates will have research interests that complement the School of Physics and Astronomy. The university welcomes applicants whose research can benefit from its advanced fabrication and characterisation laboratories.
Applicants should also have clear and credible plans to fund future research through grant applications aligned with UKRI priorities.
Nationality/Residency
The advert does not list nationality or residency restrictions. International applicants should check visa and right‑to‑work requirements before applying.
Required Documents
The advert refers applicants to the official job description document, but the supplied text does not list every required document. Applicants should prepare the following materials unless the application portal gives different instructions:
- Academic CV
- Teaching statement
- Grant and funding record, if available
- Impact or knowledge exchange statement, if requested
- Names or details of referees
- Any required HR or equality forms in the application portal
Applicants should follow the official University of St Andrews online application instructions carefully.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official University of St Andrews recruitment system linked from the jobs.ac.uk advert. Applicants should quote reference AC2483DD.
For informal inquiries, candidates may contact the Head of School, Jonathan Keeling, at hospanda@st-andrews.ac.uk.
The closing date is 6 July 2026, and interviews are scheduled for 26 August 2026. Since this is a permanent academic role, applicants should prepare a focused research and teaching case well before the deadline.
- Explain clearly why your research fits advanced materials and/or photonics.
- Show how your work complements the School’s current strengths and facilities.
- Describe how you would use advanced fabrication or characterisation laboratories.
- Present a realistic grant strategy linked to UKRI priorities.
- Give evidence of teaching quality, not only research achievements.
- Include a strong impact plan showing how your research could be translated into practical value.
- Keep your cover letter specific to St Andrews and the School of Physics and Astronomy.
- Use the reference AC2483DD correctly in your application.
Common mistakes include sending a generic lecturer application, giving no clear funding plan, focusing only on publications without teaching evidence, ignoring research impact, failing to explain facility fit, and missing the deadline or job reference.
Who Should Apply
You should apply if you are an experimental physicist with a PhD and a strong research direction in advanced materials, photonic materials, photonics, or related applied physics. This role is a good fit for applicants who are ready to build an independent academic career and can balance research, teaching, grant writing, and impact.
You may be especially competitive if you already have strong publications, teaching experience, early grant activity, industry or translation links, and a research plan that can grow within the School’s laboratory environment.
FAQ
What is the deadline for this Lecturer in Advanced/Photonic Materials position?
The deadline is 6 July 2026.
Is this a permanent academic job?
Yes. This is a full‑time, permanent lecturer position.
What is the salary?
The salary is £47,389 to £58,226 per annum.
What degree is required?
Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a closely related discipline.
What research areas are suitable?
Suitable areas include experimental physics, advanced materials, photonics, photonic materials, fabrication, characterisation, and applied materials research.
Is teaching required?
Yes. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and taught postgraduate students across Physics.
When are interviews scheduled?
Interviews are scheduled for 26 August 2026.
Related Opportunities
Applicants interested in this role may also search for:
- Lecturer jobs in experimental physics and photonics in the UK
- Academic positions in advanced materials, nanomaterials, and optical materials
- Research fellowships in photonic devices, materials characterisation, and applied physics
