Research Associate in 2D Materials

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as an Research Associate In 2d Materials. This role offers an exciting opportunity to perform and develop nanofabrication of van der Waals heterostructures in the NGI cleanrooms, conduct SPM and transport experiments, and run a range of associated maintenance and training responsibilities, within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Creating novel 2D heterostructures using the cleanroom facilities of the National Graphene Institute, by performing 2D stack assembly, electron beam lithography, etching and thin film deposition.
• Servicing and using the new UHV nanofabrication suite for 2D materials, including 2D stacking in vacuum, optical spectroscopy, thin film deposition and plasma etching.
• Operating and maintaining optical cryogenic closed-loop systems, and performing a range of optical and transport experiments at liquid helium temperatures.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• Applicants should hold or be close to acquiring a PhD in experimental condensed matter physics, or in nanofabrication of 2D heterostructures.
• Hands-on experience of building electronic device structures from 2D heterostructures (or similar systems) using electron beam and optical lithography, reactive ion etching and thin film deposition techniques.
• Hands-on experience of the characterisation of 2D heterostructures (or similar systems) using atomic force microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy and other SPM modes.

Research knowledge, and preferably hands-on experience of cryogenic measurements of transport or optical properties of atomically thin 2D crystals.

Desirable Criteria:

• Hands-on experience with HV and UHV equipment operating at pressures below 10-6 mbar.
• Experience of presenting research findings at international conferences.
• Experience supporting student supervision, outreach activities, or funding application development.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Roman Gorbachev

Email Address: roman@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

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

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.