Research Fellow (104880-1121)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
Physics
Salary
£31,406 - £40,927 per annum
Location
University of Warwick, Coventry
Vacancy Overview
Fixed term contract for 42 months with a start date of 15 February 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter. 36.5 hours per week.
A position is available to work in Advanced Electron microscopy of Phosphide-based nanowires for visible and near-infrared miniature photon emitters, in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. The work builds on results in novel quantum light emitters on Si substrates from our previous project. You will join a comprehensive programme of growth, structural and optical characterisation, and device fabrication to develop high efficiency near IR to green NW miniature photon emitters based on phosphide nanowires for display technology, imaging and sensing. This program is in collaboration with University College of London and University of Sheffield and has the support of several industrial companies including Plessey, IQE and Aledia.
You will have access to a suite of advanced electron microscopes, including a dual Cs-corrected HRTEM/STEM, an analytical HRTEM and FIB. Associated analytical instrumentation will incorporate the latest generation SDD-EDX and Gatan Quantum EELS, holography/4D-STEM and cathodoluminescence imaging/spectroscopy. Specimen preparation will be possible with multi-beam FIB and a Leica microtome. Biasing and heating double tilt holder is also available for in-situ experiments on these structures.
You should have a strong background in electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques (Aberration corrected TEM/STEM, EDXS, and EELS etc.) and should have applied them previously towards studying semiconductor materials. Additional experience in cathodoluminescence, ultramicrotome and FIB would be an advantage. You should have demonstrated a good track-record of disseminating results, need to be highly motivated and have good interpersonal skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure (£30,497. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure (£31,406 pa).
Enquiries should be directed to: Prof. Ana M Sanchez ([email protected])
Interview Date: 11 Jan 2022.
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE:
Advanced Electron microscopy of Phosphide-based nanowires for visible and near-infrared miniature photon emitters. Undertake research in order to support the work of the department and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Work with project members in the successful execution of the project.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research and scholarship
• To perform advanced STEM, HRTEM, electron diffraction and the associated characterisation techniques, EELS, EDX on a range of technologically important semiconducting nanowire structures.
• To prepare a range of specimens using a variety of standard techniques including FIB and microtome.
• To compile quarterly reports on activity/results, and to present these at project meetings;
• To contribute to final reports and deliverables;
• To be able to work both independently and in a team consistent with the aims of the funded project and to be able to collaborate with scientists and assist in the training and supervision of students;
• Perform independent scientific research either as a member of a team or independently;
• Publish results in high-ranking international journals and present results at relevant conferences;
• Submit applications to external funding sources for additional financial support if appropriate;
• Supervision of honours, masters and PhD students;
• Foster the existing links to national and international collaborators;
• Contribute to other projects within the research group;
• Assume minor administrative duties when required;

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1
Have a PhD or equivalent in Physics or a related discipline or demonstrated experience at the PDRA level. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 2
Specialist knowledge in aberration corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM): Experimental and image simulation, including structure modelling. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 3
Specialist knowledge in image interpretation and analysis, including using tools such as Digital Micrograph, ImageJ, and others. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 4
Knowledge of complementary analytical methods including X-ray microanalysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Ability to interpret these by offline analytical techniques including computational methods. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 5
Knowledge of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Cathodoluminiscence (CL) of functional materials. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 6
Knowledge of advanced or routine specimen preparation techniques including I ion beam thinning methods (PIPS), focussed ion beam (FIB). (a,c)
Essential Criteria 7
The ability to plan scientific investigations and critically analyse data collected. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 8
The ability to work both independently and as a member of a small experimental team. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 9
The ability to liaise and collaborate with external partners. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 10
The ability to produce progress reports and present at project meetings. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 11
The ability to produce scientific papers and present results at conferences. Hold, or be about to attain, a PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. physics, mathematics). (a,c)
Essential Criteria 12
A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output. (a,c)
Essential Criteria 13
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. (c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in semiconductor materials. (a,c)
Desirable Criteria 2
Experience in software development using OpenCL, C++ and Python. Knowledge in plug-in development for Digital Micrograph. (a,c)
Desirable Criteria 3
Knowledge of in-situ experiments using double tilt DENS-Lightning biasing and heating TEM holder. (a,c)
Further Particulars
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars .
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website .
For further information about the Warwick Physics Microscopy Group, please click here .
The Physics Department and the University of Warwick are proud of their diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining an excellent record in teaching and research by ensuring that there is equality of opportunity for all, fostered in an environment of mutual respect and dignity.
Both the Physics Department and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN Silver awards, a national initiative to promote gender equality for all staff and students. The Physics Department is also a Juno Champion, which is an award from the Institute of Physics to recognise our efforts to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
Further information can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.
The University supports flexible working and requests for job-share will be considered where possible.
Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www.warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Closing Date
3 Jan 2022