Research Associate

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan bronze awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work.

Role

Researchers from the University of York, UK and Tohoku University, Japan are working together on an exciting project funded by the Royal Society International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), to develop novel high-resolution MEMS magnetometers for non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCI). To achieve this ambitious target, we will investigate novel methodologies to enhance sensor sensitivity and resolution, in combination with optimised magnetometer and low-noise circuitry designs.

We are recruiting a post-doctoral research associate (PDRA), who will conduct cutting-edge research to achieve our ambitious target. More specifically, the PDRA will:

• Explore and investigate (including constructing numerical simulation models) novel methodologies to enhance resonant MEMS magnetometer sensitivity and resolution. These novel methodologies include nonlinear dynamics and energy coupling mechanisms;
• Design novel magnetometer structures to take full advantage of the novel methodologies, including device simulations and layout design in accordance with the fabrication process requirements;
• Design and implement low-noise interface electronics to minimise overall noise;
• Characterise the magnetometer prototypes;
• As part of the collaboration project between the UK and Japan, the successful candidate will also work closely with our collaborator in Japan, and spend 12 months on secondment at Tohoku University.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have:

• An undergraduate degree in Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, or equivalent;
• A PhD degree in Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, or equivalent;
• Knowledge in one or more of the following subject areas to engage in high quality research: MEMS resonant sensor design; MEMS magnetometer design; coupled resonator design (including mode localisation); nonlinear dynamics of MEMS resonators; low-noise interface electronic design; MEMS device characterisation;
• Strong mathematical modelling and problem-solving skills;
• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr. Chun Zhao on chun.zhao@york.ac.uk or the PET-HR Team at pet-hr@york.ac.uk. 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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