Research Assistant / Associate in modelling the electronic structure of plasmonic nanoparticles

About the role

Our goal is to develop novel atomistic modelling techniques to understand and control hot-carrier processes in plasmonic nanomaterials.

Hot carriers generated from the decay of localized surface plasmons in metallic nanostructures are promising for developing highly efficient solar energy conversion devices, such as solar cells or photocatalysts. However, despite much work fundamental questions about hot carrier processes remain unsolved and the lack of atomistic insight into these processes is holding back the field. To address this challenge, the post holder will contribute to the development of novel atomistic modelling techniques to simulate the interaction of light with nanoparticles and carry out calculations to discover novel nanomaterials with tailored compositions, shapes and environments to optimize the generation of hot carriers for specific applications.

What you would be doing

• You will be developing new methods to study hot-carrier generation and thermalisation in plasmonic nanoparticles
• You will use the new methods to discover new plasmonic nanomaterials with tailored composition, shape and environment to enhance hot-carrier generation
• Associated data analysis and the interpretation of the data
• You will assist the other Research staff in the day-to-day management of the research group laboratorie
• You will liaise with the other research staff and students working in broad areas of relevance to the research project, providing training where appropriate
• You will write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via journals, presentations and the web

What we are looking for:

Research Associate

• Hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
• Experience in using electronic structure theory to model light-mater interactions of nanomaterials with applications to plasmonics
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Experience in programming for parallel computer architectures
• Experience with the tight-binding formalism

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
• Bespoke career mentoring and coaching to help you identify your career goals and support in achieving them.

Further information

*Candidates who have not yet officially been awarded their PhD will be appointed initially at Research Assistant (with a salary range of £43,003 to £46,297).

For further details on the role please contact: Professor Johannes Lischner, j.lischner@imperial.ac.uk

Queries regarding the application process should be directed to: Darakshan Khan ( d.khan@imperial.ac.uk).

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: 17 March 2025

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

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