Research Assistant (Early Stage Researcher) (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The start date of the post is no later than 1st October 2025.

The funding is for 3 years. 

The Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the MASAUTO (Materials for Smarter Autonomous Sensors) project. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge European research initiative aimed at addressing the pressing challenge of achieving a sustainable Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem through advanced materials fabrication, simulation, and characterisation. 

About MASAUTO:

MASAUTO is a prestigious research program providing training for PhD candidates in advanced materials science. The selected candidate will benefit from multidisciplinary scientific training spanning basic science to industrial applications, gaining expertise in: 

• Advanced materials fabrication techniques
• State-of-the-art characterisation methods
• Computational modelling and simulations
• Applications in materials and electronics industries 

MASAUTO also emphasises the development of transferable skills to enhance employability, preparing candidates for careers in both the private and public sectors. The program fosters collaboration among 6 leading universities/research institutes and 3 industrial partners across the EU. 

Research Focus: 

The successful PhD candidate will conduct research on switching in oxide films, focusing on: 

• Film growth using pulsed laser deposition
• Characterisation using a wide range of cutting-edge techniques 

The candidate will be supervised by Prof. Judith Driscoll in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy. For further information, contact Prof. Driscoll at jld35@cam.ac.uk. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Candidates must not already hold a PhD degree at the date of recruitment.
• Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date, unless as part of compulsory national service or as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. 

Funding & Salary: 

• This position is funded under the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 101168161).
• The salary is highly competitive and follows the EU Marie Curie PhD Training network rules.  

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period.

Documents in support of applications should include a CV and research statement.

Please quote reference LJ45094 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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