Research Fellow in Materials Electrochemistry in Southampton

We are looking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher with experience and expertise in materials electrochemistry, to be based in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton as part of the group of Prof. Andrew Hector. This postdoctoral fellowship is part of the EXPRESS (Exploiting Single Source Precursors for the Electrochemical Growth of Functional 1D and 2D Metal Dichalcogenide Semiconductors) Programme Grant recently announced by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

EXPRESS is a large (£10M) flagship, interdisciplinary research programme over 5 years. It is led jointly by the Universities of Southampton and Warwick, alongside several international and industrial partners, and brings together internationally leading teams from across chemistry, physics and electronic engineering. It aims to deliver a step-change in the understanding and control of electrochemical growth of high-quality mono/few-layer functional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), combining precursor design and synthesis, electrochemistry, solution and surface computation, advanced characterisation and device integration.

In addition to the essential disciplinary research skills, candidates should demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for collaborative working, the ability to communicate effectively across disciplines, and well-developed organisational skills. The purpose of this role is the synthesis and characterisation of porous thin film materials, typically silicas, that may be used as templates for the deposition of TMDCs. For this we use a range of sol-gel and electrochemical deposition methods.

The successful candidate will also carry out a range of X-ray characterisation methods, including Bragg, small angle and reflectivity methods on thin film samples. Writing successful proposals for synchrotron beam time will be necessary for some of these experiments. You will be required to be flexible and interact effectively with colleagues across the wider EXPRESS consortium to fulfil the scientific goals of the Programme.

The position is offered for 24 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension for a further year. At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity. The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We are committed to supporting our technical staff and offer a wide range of opportunities including networking, mentoring, training, professional registration and career development. We really value all our technical staff and recognise the broad range of skills they have in support of education, research and enterprise activities. By joining you will be part of a bigger technical community, offering support and guidance.