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- Tasks: Lead research on a groundbreaking project to commercialise peptide-based drug discovery.
- Company: Join the University of Cambridge's prestigious Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of scientific innovation with real-world impact in healthcare.
- Qualifications: PhD in biochemistry or related field; industry experience is a plus.
- Other info: Contribute to a project with potential to revolutionise drug discovery.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 38000 £ per year.
OverviewA talented and creative postdoctoral researcher is sought to work in the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride performing growth of nitride materials and devices for applications in power electronics and characterising the resulting materials. The Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride is part of the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge and leads the nitride activity within the EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility.
This post is available under the Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub for a Sustainable Future (funded by EPSRC) in collaboration with the University of Cardiff and other partners. In the context of developing more sustainable and less resource intensive routes to the manufacturing of nitride semiconductor devices, the successful candidate will contribute to research on the growth of high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on 200 mm silicon substrates and to the development of routes to reuse substrates in the nitride transistor supply chain. The role may also present the opportunity for basic device fabrication to facilitate epitaxy characterisation, and hence experience of device fabrication is desirable.
Responsibilities
Manage research activities, generate high quality data, and develop scientific techniques related to nitride growth and epitaxy.
Contribute intellectually to the direction of the nitride research within the Centre and present data locally at lab meetings and seminars, and more widely at international conferences.
Draft scientific manuscripts with support from Prof Oliver and contribute to day-to-day supervision of Masters or PhD students.
Collaborate in interdisciplinary research and work both independently and as part of a team.
Qualifications and Skills
PhD (or expected to complete within 3 months) in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related area.
Extensive experience of nitride crystal growth, preferably using metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE).
Experience with characterization techniques such as two or more of the following: scanning probe microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Hall probe measurements, or C-V measurements.
Ability to present data clearly in verbal and written form.
Commitment to collaborative and interdisciplinary research and ability to work independently and in a team.
Additional Information
Salary range for a Research Associate: £37,694–£46,049 per annum. Candidates appointed prior to PhD completion as a Research Assistant will receive £34,610 per annum with promotion to Research Associate on attainment of PhD.
Fixed-term: funds available for 42 months.
Applications should include a CV and a research statement.
EOE: The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. Applications from women, Black and minority ethnic candidates are particularly welcome.
Queries: Professor Rachel Oliver (rao28@cam.ac.uk), with copies to ajt69@cam.ac.uk and hrmsm@msm.cam.ac.uk.
Apply online through the University recruitment system. PhD project applications should also be submitted via the University Application Portal: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply. Early applications are encouraged as positions may be filled before the deadline.
Please quote reference LJ48766 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term) employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of peptide-based drug discovery. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers and industry leaders, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with Prof. Knowles' research group by following their publications and projects. Demonstrating your knowledge about their work during interviews can show your genuine interest and help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with AI technologies that are relevant to peptide design and drug discovery. Being able to discuss how you can leverage these tools in your research will highlight your innovative approach and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially any hands-on work with peptides or protein sciences. Be ready to explain how your skills can contribute to the commercialisation goals of the PepVerse project.
We think you need these skills to ace Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure to customise your covering letter to highlight your specific interest in the PepVerse project and how your background aligns with the goals of Prof. Knowles' research group. Mention any relevant experience in commercialising scientific breakthroughs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your PhD and any additional research experience, particularly in protein sciences and peptide work. Include specific examples of projects where you have successfully applied experimental technologies.
Showcase Your Publications: Include a comprehensive list of your publications that demonstrate your expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology. Highlight any papers that reflect your problem-solving skills and contributions to multidisciplinary teams.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you upload all required documents, including your CV, covering letter, and publications list, as specified in the job description. Double-check that you haven't included any additional documents that could hinder your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your PhD and any post-doctoral research in detail. Highlight specific projects, methodologies, and outcomes that demonstrate your expertise in biochemistry and protein sciences.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Since the role focuses on commercialising scientific breakthroughs, be ready to talk about how your research can transition into a marketable product. Familiarise yourself with the ERC PoC project PepVerse and its potential applications.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
The successful candidate will work within multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of past collaborations, especially those involving industry partners, to illustrate your ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse groups.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to experimental technologies in protein sciences and peptide libraries. Brush up on your knowledge of AI assistive technologies and be ready to discuss how you've used them in your research.
