Postdoctoral Research Assistant Fellowship
A Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available in the Department of Chemistry of the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences (SBCS) at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). The researcher will be working under the supervision of Dr Matteo Palma (Dept. of Chemistry at QMUL), in collaboration with Prof William Gillin (Dept. of Physics at QMUL) and with Prof Colin Nuckolls (Columbia University, U.S.A.). In addition, our industrial partners at Cambridge Display Technology Ltd will offer industrial insight and feedback. The project is centred on the formation of nanohybrids from carbon nanostructures towards the production of high-throughput solution processable single-molecule nanodevices, for optoelectronic and renewable energy applications.
Department: School of Biological & Chemical Sciences
Salary: £35,319 (Grade 4)
Reference: QMUL6257
As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, QMUL is one of UK’s leading research-focused higher education institutions, where multidisciplinary research is carried out at the highest level. Access to fume-hoods and appropriate bench space as well as all the standard chemistry equipment will be available in the state-of-the-art Joseph Priestley chemistry building, where the post-doc will be located. In addition the Palma laboratory has recently purchased a Scanning Probe Microscopy set-up (Bruker dimension icon), and has further access at QMUL to Focused Ion-Beam (FEI quanta), Electron-Beam Lithography, SEM, TEM, and a Class 10000 Cleanroom with full photolithography and (electrical) probing station facilities. The PDRA will also become a member of the Materials Research Institute which will provide access to a broad range of equipment and expertise.
This appointment forms part of a project funded by the EPSRC, where the primary goal is to develop a universal approach for the production of high-throughput solution processable single-molecule nanodevices. We will achieve this by applying novel methods to interface individual molecules to carbon nano-electrodes in solution, and subsequently organizing the so formed molecular junctions on surfaces for device implementation. Different classes of molecular materials, both organic and inorganic, which display promising attributes will be investigated in real device configurations.
The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in physical-chemistry, physics, engineering or other relevant discipline. The candidate will have experience in materials science research and an established track record of success in high-quality original research. Applicants should have a solid grounding in different aspects of materials science research, from basic wet-chemistry skills, to experience with scanning probe microscopy, electrical measurements of organic nanostructures, and device fabrication. Candidates without a background in any of the aforementioned skills will be expected to demonstrate a keen interest to learn the techniques. During the project the PDRA will have the opportunity to develop his/her supervision, writing, communication and organisational skills. Duties may also include assisting in the training and supervision of PhD and final year project students.
The position is full time and available for one year, with possibility of extension for one additional year. The starting salary will be £35,319 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance. The successful post holder should be able to start on 1 October 2015. Benefits include 30 days annual leave anddefined benefit pension scheme.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.
For further information about the Palma laboratory please see http://webspace.qmul.ac.uk/mpalma
Informal enquiries are encouraged; please contact Dr Palma via email m.palma@qmul.ac.uk
To apply, please click on the “Apply Online” link above (please include a cover letter, a CV and the contact information of three references)
Enquiries about the application process should be directed to recruitment@qmul.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is July 31, 2015. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
Last date: 31 July 2015