Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full-Time 38419 - 51755 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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UK Energy Research Centre

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive the development of innovative optical instrumentation for advanced solar energy research.
  • Company: Queen Mary University of London, a leader in sustainable energy research.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, tailored training, and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
  • Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact on the future of solar technology.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with skills in optical/electronic instrument development and data analysis.
  • Other info: Encouraging diverse applicants and offering excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 38419 - 51755 ÂŁ per year.

Location: London

Salary: ÂŁ38,419 to ÂŁ51,755 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 11th March 2026

Closes: 8th April 2026

About the Role

You will drive the development of optical instrumentation that will accelerate the way printed perovskite photovoltaics are analysed and developed. You will design, build, and validate an automated system for in‑situ and high‑throughput characterisation. Your work will enable rapid screening of materials and processing conditions, providing insights for scaling printed perovskite photovoltaics. This position forms a key part of Stoichko Dimitrov’s EPSRC Open Fellowship, “Advancing Scalable, Sustainable Perovskite Photovoltaics: High‑Performance Printing and Stability Solutions”. Working within a collaborative and interdisciplinary team of postdocs and PhD researchers in QMUL’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, the successful candidate will contribute to both the scientific and technical direction of the project.

About You

Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent research experience) in engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related discipline. Some of the essential attributes include advanced skills in optical and electronic instrument development, strong background in optical spectroscopy and materials/device characterisation. Experience in data acquisition and software development or automation is required, as well as knowledge of photovoltaics and perovskites. The applicant should demonstrate advanced understanding of the research process, and ability to manage, analyse, and present research data to a high standard. Ability to work in a team towards a common goal and meet deadlines will be beneficial.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

Dimitrov group’s expertise is in laser spectroscopy and in‑situ analysis of printed photovoltaic technologies, with a particular focus on printing perovskite and organic solar cells. The applicant will become a key part of the team formed to deliver the EPSRC Open Fellowship project with an aim to push the perovskite technology closer to commercial deployment. Join us in redefining the future of solar energy by helping to make sustainable, flexible solar cells a globally accessible solution. Queen Mary offers excellent PV research facilities, including the new Green Energy Hub laboratory and an active PV research network. A tailored training and development plan will be created to support the candidate’s career aspirations. We encourage applications from women, candidates from underrepresented groups, and those from minority backgrounds.

Postdoctoral Research Associate employer: UK Energy Research Centre

Queen Mary University of London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation in the field of solar energy research. With access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Green Energy Hub laboratory, employees benefit from tailored training and development plans that support their career growth. The university actively promotes diversity and inclusion, making it a welcoming environment for all researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in sustainable technology.
UK Energy Research Centre

Contact Detail:

UK Energy Research Centre Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.

✨Show Off Your Skills

Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Bring along a portfolio of your work or even a project you’ve been involved in. We want to see your skills in action, especially when it comes to optical instrumentation and characterisation.

✨Prepare for the Interview

Do your homework on the team and the project. Understand the ins and outs of perovskite photovoltaics and be ready to discuss how your background fits into their goals. We love candidates who show genuine interest and knowledge about what we do!

✨Apply Through Our Website

Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at getting noticed. We keep an eye on applications that come directly from there, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our innovative team at Queen Mary University!

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate

Optical Instrumentation Development
Optical Spectroscopy
Materials/Device Characterisation
Data Acquisition
Software Development
Automation
Knowledge of Photovoltaics
Knowledge of Perovskites
Research Process Understanding
Data Management and Analysis
Presentation Skills
Team Collaboration
Deadline Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in optical instrumentation and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at StudySmarter!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about perovskite photovoltaics and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.

Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, make sure to highlight your experience in managing and analysing data. We love seeing examples of how you've presented your findings in the past, so don’t hold back!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Energy Research Centre

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of optical instrumentation and photovoltaics. Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, especially any projects related to perovskite materials or optical spectroscopy. This will show that you’re not just a good fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in the work.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your advanced skills in instrument development and data acquisition. Bring examples of your past work, whether it’s through presentations or even a portfolio. This can really help you stand out and give the interviewers a clear picture of what you can bring to the team.

✨Team Player Vibes

Since this role involves working within a collaborative team, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your ability to meet deadlines and contribute to common goals. This will reassure them that you can thrive in their interdisciplinary environment.

✨Ask Smart Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team dynamics. Inquire about the specific challenges they face in developing scalable perovskite photovoltaics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations.

Postdoctoral Research Associate
UK Energy Research Centre
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