Research Associate in Physics

Full Time - Fixed Term until 1st October 2026

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in nanofabrication and magnetic characterisation to work on “Optically-Controlled Thermoplasmonic-Spintronic Devices” within the Future Leader Fellowship project lead by Dr Naëmi Leo. This project uses localised plasmonic heaters to create fast, efficient, and versatile reconfigurable thermal landscapes controlled by light polarisation, power and illumination patterns (https://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C9NR01628G, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.18.024014). By creating hybrid devices combining the optical control of thermal gradients with spintronic and spin-caloritronic materials, the post holder is expected to demonstrate remote-controlled fast and reconfigurable spin current sources.

The project will be undertaken in the physics department at Loughborough University and involves collaborations with internal colleagues and facilities, as well as with national and international project partners such as EXTREMAG (UK), Durham University (UK), and the University of Konstanz (Germany).

This project involves creating novel hybrid magneto-thermoplasmonic devices: using nanolithography and characterisation, conducting magneto-transport experiments under different optical illumination conditions, analysing data and dissemination.

As such, the successful candidate should enjoy challenging hands-on experimental work in the laboratory, with experience in nanofabrication and magneto-transport methods, as evidenced by strong publications. The successful candidate should have completed or be about to obtain a PhD in physics or material science within the field of magnetism or spintronics. Further desirable experience and skills include solid competency in programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, C++, etc), knowledge of various structural and magnetic characterisation techniques and instrumentation (such as nanolithography, magneto-transport, MOKE, AFM, XRD), and experience in micromagnetic or multiphysics simulations. The successful candidate should have good interpersonal skills and clear oral and written communication, be able to carry out inter-dependent research activities within an international team, and to be willing to travel nationally and internationally to visit collaborators and attend scientific conferences.

The post is for a minimum of 30 months (with a possible extension to four years dependent upon performance and available funding). We aspire providing bespoke support to physicists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive environment that fosters excellence for all researchers.

For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Naëmi Leo n.leo@lboro.ac.uk)

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