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- Tasks: Conduct hands-on research in magnetic microscopy and explore thermally-driven motion of spin textures.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a leading institution fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, competitive pay, and access to fantastic facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge physics research while collaborating internationally.
- Qualifications: PhD in physics or material science with expertise in magnetism or spintronics.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 49700 £ per year.
This position is Full Time, Fixed Term. We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in magnetic microscopy to work on “Thermally-driven motion of spin textures” within the Future Leader Fellowship project led by Dr Naëmi Leo. This project uses novel localised plasmonic heaters to create fast, efficient, and versatile reconfigurable thermal landscapes controlled by light polarisation, power, and illumination patterns. By creating hybrid devices combining the optical control of thermal gradients with magnetic materials, the post holder is expected to quantify thermal motion of spin textures to deepen our understanding of the underlying driving processes.
The project will be undertaken in the physics department at Loughborough University and involves collaborations with internal colleagues and facilities, as well as with national and international project partners such as EXTREMAG (UK) and Durham University (UK). This project involves using novel hybrid magneto-thermoplasmonic devices to generate thermal gradients under different optical illumination conditions for the controlled motion of spin textures, including domain walls and Skyrmions.
As such, the successful candidate should enjoy challenging hands-on experimental work in the laboratory, with experience in magnetic microscopy via MOKE magnetometry and/or synchrotron x-ray methods, as well as post-experiment image analysis, as evidenced by strong publications. The successful candidate should have completed or be about to obtain a PhD in physics or material science within the field of magnetism or spintronics.
Further desirable experience and skills include:
- Solid competency in programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, C++, etc) for data analysis and control of experimental setups
- Experience in micromagnetic or multiphysics simulations
- Knowledge of various structural and magnetic characterisation techniques and instrumentation (such as nanolithography, magneto-transport, MOKE, AFM, XRD)
The successful candidate should have good interpersonal skills and clear oral and written communication, be able to carry out independent research activities within an international team, and be willing to travel nationally and internationally to visit collaborators and attend scientific conferences. The post is for a minimum of 24 months (with a possible extension dependent upon performance and available funding).
We aspire to provide bespoke support to physicists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and create an inclusive environment that fosters excellence for all researchers.
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Naëmi Leo. For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Our Benefits:
- Generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme
- Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities
- On-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies
- Discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support
- Access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Research Associate in Physics - Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Physics - Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the physics community, especially those who might know about the Research Associate role. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral, which can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with the thermally-driven motion of spin textures and the techniques mentioned in the job description. Show us that you're not just a candidate, but a passionate researcher ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Physics - Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Associate role. Highlight your experience in magnetic microscopy and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our exciting project on thermally-driven motion of spin textures!
Show Off Your Publications: If you've got strong publications, flaunt them! Include them in your application to demonstrate your research capabilities. We love seeing evidence of your hands-on experimental work and how it contributes to the field of magnetism or spintronics.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and skills. We appreciate good communication, so make sure your written application reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our community at Loughborough University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of magnetic microscopy and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like MOKE magnetometry and synchrotron x-ray methods. Being able to discuss your previous research and how it relates to the project will show that you're not just a good fit, but genuinely interested.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your programming skills, especially in Python, Matlab, or C++. Have examples ready of how you've used these skills in past projects, particularly for data analysis or controlling experimental setups. This will demonstrate your technical competence and problem-solving abilities.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves collaboration with both internal colleagues and international partners, highlight your interpersonal skills. Share experiences where you've successfully worked in a team, especially in a research setting, and how you’ve communicated complex ideas clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the environment is right for you. For instance, ask about the types of collaborations you might engage in or how the team approaches challenges in their research.
