Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences - Physics and Astronomy

This full-time post is available from 15 March 2022 on a fixed term basis until 15 November 2023, with possibility of extension. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

The post

The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow for a theoretical project investigating a new kind of confined wave. This so-called ‘line mode’ is the one dimensional analogue of a surface plasmon, and has only recently been predicted and experimentally observed at microwave frequencies.  The successful applicant will develop the theory of these waves, verifying the results with numerical simulations, and investigate equivalent waves in elasticity, fluid dynamics, and quantum mechanics. 

You will contribute to a Royal Society funded project on the theory of electromagnetism and acoustic metamaterials, working with Dr Simon Horsley in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The job requires expert knowledge in the following areas: electromagnetic and/or elasticity theory, metamaterials, complex analysis, and finite element simulation of waves in composite materials (using COMSOL).  Expertise in any of the following is also desirable: quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics, the application of topology to design materials (e.g. using the Chern character), and programming in Python, Mathematica, or MATLAB.

The successful applicant will work on the analytical theory of line waves, finding the materials where they are supported, using complex analysis to develop the theory of their dispersion.  In parallel they will develop the equivalence between electromagnetic line waves and acoustic, fluid dynamical, or quantum mechanical line waves.  Results will be verified using COMSOL and simple programs.  As part of the electromagnetic and acoustic materials group there will be the opportunity to interact with experimentalists with expertise in manufacturing and characterizing the metamaterials we design.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to clearly communicate complex information, orally and in writing, and give presentations at conferences and other events. They will be able to develop research objectives and contribute to the process of securing funds to perform new research directions.

Research Associate: Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to develop methodologies and perform research. You will be able to work collaboratively and assist with the supervision of PhD students.

Research Fellow: Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be an internationally recognised authority in electromagnetic and/or acoustic metamaterials. You will possess specialist knowledge in the discipline and be able to independently perform research and develop new methodologies. You will be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

Physics and Astronomy is a friendly and fast-growing department of 50 academic staff with research excellence in astrophysics, biomedical physics, optics, acoustics, materials, quantum systems and nanomaterials. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) Physics and Astronomy at Exeter was ranked 11th in the UK with 90% of its research rated as being of international quality.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Simon Horsley, e-mail s .horsley @exeter.ac.uk  

Interviews are expected to take place in late February 2022.

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.