Postdoctoral Research Associate

About us

A post-doctoral research associate position is available at the Photonics & Nanotechnology group, Physics Department, King’s College London, funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant Catalysis meets plasmonics: New perspectives in photocatalysis and near-surface (www.cplas.org) —a collaboration between King’s College London, Imperial College London and UK Catalysis Hub.

The research in Photonics & Nanotechnology Group (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/photonics-nanotechnology) involves the development and applications of advanced photonic technologies and of novel nanomaterials to address modern challenges in sustainability, nonlinear optics, photonic and quantum technologies, new nanostructured materials, sensing, imaging and clean energy. The group adopts an interdisciplinary approach to provide leading-edge research in optical, mechanical and structural properties of nanostructures and nanoparticles, and their applications. We combine expertise in nanofabrication, photochemistry, laser science, nonlinear optics, sensing, advanced imaging techniques and numerical modelling.

About the role

A successful candidate will join the EPSRC funded project “Catalysis meets plasmonics: New perspectives in photocatalysis and near-surface chemistry” (www.cplas.org) and will work on fabrication and experimental investigations of novel nanostructures for plasmonic catalysis and sensing based on nanoporous materials and super-crystals. We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with previous experience in fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures, their optical characterisation and application in sensing, photocatalysis and photo-electrocatalysis.

They will collaborate with the project partners at Imperial College London and UK Catalysis Hub, as well as with the industry project partners.

The post holder will engage in internationally-leading research and take a role in determining the future path of this research. Furthermore, the role holder will be responsible for the supervision of PhD and MSc students working on related topics.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to further develop expertise in a rapidly advancing field, while also gaining experience in managing research activities and mentoring junior researchers.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Zayats via email.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/2027.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD qualified in relevant subject area
• Experience in fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures, nanoporous materials, super-crystals and self-assembled metamaterials
• Experience in optical characterisation of plasmonic nanostructures
• Experience in photocatalysis and photo-electrocatalysis
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Good attention to detail

Desirable criteria

• Experience in electron and atomic force microscopy
• Experience in numerical simulations
• Experience in hot-carriers studies

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found here. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Interviews are due to be held on December/ January.

Contact Person: Professor Anatoly Zayats

Contact Details: a.zayats@kcl.ac.uk