At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create and experiment with cutting-edge 2D materials in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: National Graphene Institute, a leader in nanofabrication and 2D materials research.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, 29 days leave, and a ride to work scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture encouraging diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in groundbreaking research while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: PhD in experimental condensed matter physics or related field, with hands-on experience in nanofabrication.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate in 2D Materials. This role offers an exciting opportunity to perform and develop nanofabrication of van der Waals heterostructures in the NGI cleanrooms, conduct SPM and transport experiments, and run a range of associated maintenance and training responsibilities, within a dynamic and inclusive environment.
You will be responsible for:
- Creating novel 2D heterostructures using the cleanroom facilities of the National Graphene Institute, by performing 2D stack assembly, electron beam lithography, etching and thin film deposition.
- Servicing and using the new UHV nanofabrication suite for 2D materials, including 2D stacking in vacuum, optical spectroscopy, thin film deposition and plasma etching.
- Operating and maintaining optical cryogenic closed-loop systems, and performing a range of optical and transport experiments at liquid helium temperatures.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- Applicants should hold or be close to acquiring a PhD in experimental condensed matter physics, or in nanofabrication of 2D heterostructures.
- Hands-on experience of building electronic device structures from 2D heterostructures (or similar systems) using electron beam and optical lithography, reactive ion etching and thin film deposition techniques.
- Hands-on experience of the characterisation of 2D heterostructures (or similar systems) using atomic force microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy and other SPM modes.
- Research knowledge, and preferably hands-on experience of cryogenic measurements of transport or optical properties of atomically thin 2D crystals.
Desirable Criteria:
- Hands-on experience with HV and UHV equipment operating at pressures below 10-6 mbar.
- Experience of presenting research findings at international conferences.
- Experience supporting student supervision, outreach activities, or funding application development.
Our benefits include:
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
Research Associate in 2D Materials in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
As a Research Associate in 2D Materials at the National Graphene Institute, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With generous benefits such as a substantial employer pension contribution, 29 days of annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience with cutting-edge nanofabrication techniques, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career path in a world-leading research facility.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in 2D Materials in Manchester
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✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in 2D Materials in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The University of Manchester. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The University of Manchester. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at The University of Manchester. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at The University of Manchester to drive research projects forward.
