Research Fellow in Defect-Mediated Charge Transport Full-time

Research Fellow in Defect-Mediated Charge Transport

The post holder will be required to carry out research on charge transport in energy materials – specifically iron oxide (a candidate photocatalyst, battery electrode and supercapacitor material) and nickel oxide (an emerging supercapacitor electrode material and hole transport layer for photovoltaics) – with the goal to elucidate the effects of dopants on their antiferromagnetic structure and electron small polaron hopping. In particular, they will apply advanced neutron and X-ray scattering techniques at national facilities to reveal short-range correlated disorder, invisible to long-range structure probes.

This project will use a state-of-the-art, laser-heated, high-pressure image furnace to synthesise metal oxide single crystals of extremely high purity. These will be precisely oriented and a suite of transport measurements used to determine the nature of hopping transport. Finally, three-dimensional delta-pair-distribution-function analysis will isolate correlated magnetic and atomic disorder to build a full picture of charge transport in these important materials.

The role is a fixed term position, post duration is until 28.02.2029.

The ideal candidate will be a motivated and collaborative researcher who is either completing or has recently obtained a PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. You will have a strong academic background and expertise in at least one key area of inorganic crystalline materials research, such as synthesis and characterisation, with knowledge of techniques including crystal growth, charge transport measurements, X-ray or neutron scattering, or powder X-ray diffraction being advantageous.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct high-quality independent research, critically evaluate scientific information, and analyse and interpret complex data to produce impactful research outcomes. They will have a track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications and be confident communicating complex scientific concepts to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills are essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment and build positive working relationships with academic and professional services colleagues.