Research Associate in Atomic Manipulation and Scanning Probe Microscopy Luminescence (fixed-term)
We seek to recruit a highly motivated researcher with a strong track record in atomic resolution scanning probe microscopy or quantum photonics for a 36-month postdoctoral Research Associate position funded by the EPSRC award entitled “Shining light on single molecule dynamics: photon by photon” (grant reference EP/X031934/1, PI: Dr Kristina Rusimova).
This is a fixed-term position until December 2026.
About the role:
You will contribute to the goals of the project by using a room-temperature ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) in combination with state-of-the-art automation to initiate, characterise and control molecular dynamics one molecule at a time.
Further, you will develop an STM luminescence setup, capable of single photon statistics, to investigate the temporal behaviour of molecules and hot electrons.
You will also have the opportunity to develop skills in lab automation with Python and/or LabVIEW by contributing to our existing lab automation protocols.
You will write up and disseminate results, collaborating with other project partners in order to establish a competitive publication record.
You will also have the opportunity to supervise the day-to-day research of graduate students, as well as to explore and pursue new research directions within our state-of-the-art laboratories. This growth opportunity will empower you to make significant contributions to the field while honing your expertise in a supportive and innovative environment.
You will develop as an independent experimental scientist and will be encouraged to network by attending and presenting at scientific conferences or through research visits.
About you:
You will possess (or be very close to obtaining) a doctorate in experimental high-resolution scanning probe microscopy, quantum photonics, or a related field.
You will require strong laboratory skills as well as a firm theoretical understanding of scanning probe microscopy and/or quantum optics and photonics.
Experience with ultrahigh vacuum, single atom manipulation with scanning probes, or quantum photonics will be advantageous but is not a prerequisite.
An interest in communicating science to the public or digital art would be an advantage.
Further information:
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Kristina Rusimova (k.r.rusimova@bath.ac.uk).
References:
[1] Regulating the femtosecond excited-state lifetime of a single molecule, Rusimova, et al. Science 361, 1012-1016 (2018)
[2] Common source of light emission and nonlocal molecular manipulation on the Si (111)-7x7 surface, Purkiss, et al., J. Phys. Commun. 3, 095010 (2019)
[3] Initiating and imaging the coherent surface dynamics of charge carriers in real space, Rusimova, et al., Nature Commun. 7, 12839 (2016)
[4] A self-consistent model to link surface electronic band structure to the voltage dependence of hot electron induced molecular nanoprobe experiments, Sloan and Rusimova, Nanoscale Adv. 4, 4880-4885 (2022)
The Department of Physics at the University of Bath is a research-led department, and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive working environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups typically under-represented in UK physics departments.
What we can offer you:
We aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams.
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