Research Assistant / Research Associate in Quantum Materials Research (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2025 in the first instance.

A position exists for Research Assistant/Associate in Quantum Materials research.

Position Description: The Cavendish Laboratory's Quantum Matter group is looking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to investigate electronic and magnetic states in unconventional superconductors. The successful applicant will study the electronic structure of superconducting quantum materials near quantum phase transitions by examining quantum oscillations in high magnetic fields and at low temperatures. Material classes to be investigated include narrow-band d- and f-electron intermetallics, pnictides, and transition metal oxides such as the ruthenates and cuprates. The group operates a wide range of crystal growth and characterisation equipment, including a mirror furnace, two rf-induction furnaces and a wide range of box and tube furnaces, a PPMS, two SQUID magnetometers and a VSM, and we have access to relevant x-ray facilities within the University. The group has developed key high pressure techniques relevant to this project, such as patterned high pressure anvils, microcoils within the anvil cell sample space, and rf tank circuitry for indirect resistivity measurements in anvil cells. The low temperature, high field work will be carried out mainly at the Cavendish lab, using our 20.4 Tesla/1mK cryomagnetic facility, with opportunities for further measurements at international high field facilities (e.g. US, France, Holland). Complementary high pressure lattice structure determination by x-ray diffraction will take place at the Diamond Light Source Synchrotron in the UK. Within this programme of research, you will be particularly responsible for low temperature, high magnetic field, high pressure measurement and technique development.

Eligibility: You should have a PhD (or close to obtaining) in Physics or in a related discipline, with a strong track record of research in the area of experimental correlated electron physics. You should have experience with at least one of the experimental techniques relevant to the project (high magnetic field measurements, measurements at cryogenic temperatures, high pressure measurements). Other skills which will be valued include: crystal growth, computing, knowledge of the physics of strongly correlated electron systems. A demonstrated ability to work independently is essential.

The post holder will be located at the Department of Physics Cavendish Laboratory JJ Thomson Avenue Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.

Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263 (Grade 7). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 - £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

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Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Prof. M. Grosche ([email protected] ). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact [email protected] .

Please quote reference KA40982 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
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