King's College London

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 New perspectives in photocatalysis and near-surface chemistry: catalysis meets plasmonics —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, 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 be working on the EPSRC funded project New perspectives in photocatalysis and near-surface chemistry: catalysis meets plasmonics, in particular on fabrication and experimental investigations of novel nanostructures for plasmonic catalysis.  We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher with previous experience in fabrication of plasmonic nanoparticles and nanostructures and their application in 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 the relevant topics with the project. It is an excellent opportunity for a researcher to further their skill set in a rapidly advancing field, as well as providing opportunities to manage and take responsibility for both research tasks and people.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Zayats via email.

This is a full time role (35 hours per week) and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 12 months.

About you

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

Essential criteria

1.      PhD qualified in relevant subject area

2.      Experience in fabrication of plasmonic nanoparticles and nanostructures

3.      Experience in photocatalysis and photo-electrocatalysis

4.      Experience in optical characterisation of plasmonic nanostructures

5.      Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing

6.      Ability to work as a part of a team

7.      Strong presentation and communication skills

8.      Good attention to detail

Desirable criteria

1.      Experience in electron and atomic force microscopy

2.      Experience in evaluation of hot electron energy

3.      Experience in numerical simulations

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. 

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held in late July or early August.