Research Associate in nanometric TEM magnetic imaging of natural magnetic systems under stress. in London

This Post-Doctoral Research Associate position is part of the UKRI NERC project “Can rocks palaeomagnetically record palaeo-stress?”. The aim of this NERC project is to quantify how natural magnetic systems respond to stress at the nanometric scale. Our recent modelling reveals that relatively modest stresses of ~0.1 GPa – common in active fault zones– can disturb supposedly stable magnetic recordings in rocks. This overturns the long-held belief that only extreme impacts could reset remanent magnetisation.

To test this breakthrough, you will combine cutting-edge experimental techniques. Using the world’s most advanced transmission electron microscopy, including off-axis electron holography, you will directly image stress-induced magnetic changes at the nanometre scale. Complementary focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) nanotomography and bulk magnetic measurements will capture how a wide range of natural minerals record stress. Together, these results will provide the first predictive framework for stress-induced magnetisation. If confirmed, this will not only reshape palaeomagnetic research but also unlock a powerful new tool: the ability to reconstruct palaeo-stress fields in rocks. This capability offers the potential for a step-change in long-term earthquake hazard assessment.

This position at Imperial will experimentally determine the response of magnetic signals to stress under the guidance of Adrian Muxworthy, Rafal Dunin-Borkowski and Tom Mitchell, whilst the numerical aspects of the project will be undertaken at Edinburgh. Working with the NERC project PI Adrian Muxworthy (Imperial), Co-Is Wyn Williams (Edinburgh) and Tom Mitchell (UCL), and Project Partner Rafal Dunin-Borkowski (Jülich, Germany), you will investigate the magnetic recording fidelity of natural magnetic minerals under compressional and tensional stress. This will be achieved using advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, in particular off-axis electron holography for nanometric magnetic imaging, combined with focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) nanotomography. The electron-holography will be undertaken during visits to Rafal Dunin-Borkowski’s laboratory in Jülich, Germany.

You will have extensive knowledge of a range of electron microscopy methods including TEM magnetic imaging and FIB slice-and-view, and sample preparation for these methods. You will have published or submitted several first author peer-reviewed scientific papers. You will be comfortable working independently, with several visits to Jülich Germany. You will have a PhD in Material Science, Earth Science or Physics. No previous knowledge of Earth Science is required.

A chance to work on the exciting new earth science field linking stress and magnetism together, with applications in geohazards. The opportunity to work with world-leading experiments using state-of-the-art instruments and numerical algorithms. The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year).