Research Associate in Plasmonic Photocatalysis

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Highly motivated individuals are invited to apply for the post to join an exciting research project, which is part of our Catalytic Plasmonics (CPLAS) research programme. CPLAS aims to transform the field of chemical catalysis by combining plasmonic induced reaction-promoting physics with the chemistry of photo-catalysis. The transformative impact of this new field of plasmocatalysis will lie in a significant reduction of energy requirements in key reactions in energy conversion, environmental protection, and pharmaceutical synthesis, with exquisite control of reaction pathways via optical means. This interdisciplinary research programme combines the skills of physicists, materials scientists, and chemists from across Imperial College London, King’s College London, and the UK Catalysis Hub including the Universities of Cardiff, Bath and Manchester.

The applicant will be expected to have experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics, chemical physics, (hetero)nanomaterials synthesis and/or nanofabrication. The materials team are aiming to design and develop plasmonic nanostructures and incorporating into semiconducting nanomaterials to have a photoelectrode with the capability of broadband sunlight harvesting and reduced charge recombination, under the AI assisted modelling framework.

Safety Training: Compressed Gases and Connecting Gas Regulators ; ICIS Training for Safety Training Record Keeping and Data Reporting ; Radiation Protection - X-Ray Safety Awareness Training ; Risk Assessment Foundation Training (RAFT)

Research Duties:

• To conduct independent and original research
• To take initiative in the planning and execution of research into synthesis and characterisation of engineered nanomaterials (SEM, TEM, XRD, PL, UV-vis)
• To conduct data analysis and ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
• To write reports for submission to research sponsors and collaborators
• To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats
• To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
• To draft and submit publications to refereed journals
• To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in support of research
• To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community
• To promote the reputation of the Groups, the Departments and the College

Candidates/post holders will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics or related subject or related field or equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience
• A demonstrated track record of original research in plasmonic materials
• Experience in developing novel plasmonic materials synthesis
• Experience in novel plasmonic nanostructures synthesis or fabrication. (Solution based approaches or nanolithography)
• Knowledge of materials chemistry and physics
• Knowledge of plasmonic materials
• Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgement in carrying out research tasks;
• Ability to present to a high level before an audience of international experts in the field;
• Ability to write clearly and concisely to a level consistent with publication in highly regarded international journals;
• Ability to relate appropriately to others and to work as part of team;
• Ability to organise/manage time to perform a wide variety of tasks.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £40,694 - £43,888 per annum.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Fang Xie, [email protected]

Further guidance may be sought from Darakshan Khan ([email protected] ).

For technical issues, please contact: [email protected]