Research Associate in Characterisation and Optimisation of Nanoparticle / Quantum Dot Films

BACKGROUND

Applications are encouraged for a position as Research Associate based in the Department of Materials, funded by an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account project entitled “Insights and Optimisation of Quantum Dot Coatings for Infrared Sensing”. You will focus on characterizing, understanding, and optimising the packing of quantum dot (QD) films/coatings for use in IR sensing technologies, working closely with our industry partner Quantum Science Ltd.

QD films have emerged as a new, highly promising infrared sensing technology [with applications in consumer electronics (for low-light mobile phone recognition), security and surveillance in night, smoky or foggy conditions, autonomous vehicles and hyperspectral imaging for chemical and material sorting, pharmaceutical manufacture, food and precision agriculture, and recycling]. QD based near infrared image sensors are a potential game changing technology for the global image sensor market, owing to their solution-processability, providing high performance, low-cost and scalable manufacturing routes with precisely controllable sensitivity from 700 nm – 2400 nm. Optimising solution processable materials involves significant extensive empirical experimentation to understand and fine-tune the processing that controls the packing of the QDs and their subsequent performance, representing a critical bottleneck delaying the progression of new materials to fully optimised devices.

The main characterisation technique you will employ will be grazing incidence X-ray scattering SAXS/WAXS (GISAXS/GIWAXS), providing access to structural information on the relevant length scales (Å - nm – μm). You will have experience in conducting small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and in particular model fitting of experimental data, utilising software packages such as SASView (or equivalent). Direct experience working with quantum dots is not required and we are seeking seeking researchers with a materials/physics/chemistry postgraduate degree who are able to demonstrate suitable experience in utilising SAXS for material characterisation.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.     

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Daniel Toolan

Email: daniel.toolan@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars including job description and person specification are available on the University of Manchester website - click on the 'Apply' button above to find out more

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