About the role
Are you an early-career researcher passionate about advancing fundamental knowledge in the field of atomic, molecular and optical physics and its rapid translation into real-life applications?
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Researcher, funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Curie Doctoral Network TRILOGY.
TRILOGY advances the emerging field of ultrafast chirality by exploiting attosecond light-driven electron dynamics to overcome the limits of conventional chiroptical methods. Targeting applications in the life sciences and advanced technologies, we aim to develop next-generation, high-sensitivity spectroscopic tools to excite and probe electron motion in chiral molecules, supported by close collaboration with industrial partners to enable rapid translation into applications.
TRILOGY brings together 11 leading institutions across Europe to train 16 Doctoral Candidates at the forefront of theory and experiment in ultrafast science. The programme offers a unique, interdisciplinary environment and equips researchers with highly competitive skills spanning fundamental physics, technology development, and industry.
At Imperial College London, the Research Assistant will contribute to the work package titled: “Enantiosensitive imaging and manipulation with locally chiral evanescent waves.”
What you would be doing
In this role, you will take a leading part in shaping the emerging field of ultrafast chirality. You will:
- Develop a theoretical and computational framework to model light propagation in confined environments and the ultrafast electronic response of chiral matter to such tailored light.
- Investigate how we can shape matter at the nanoscale to shape light’s polarisation in three dimensions for efficient chiral sensing and manipulation.
- Explore how to bring the outcome of fundamental research in atomic, molecular and optical physics to real-life applications.
- Work closely with international partners across the TRILOGY consortium and undertake up to two-month placements at academic and industrial partners, gaining first-hand experience of how fundamental research informs real-world applications.
- Build your research profile through journal publications, conference presentations, and collaborative project deliverables, supported by an exceptional network of academic and industry mentors across Europe.
What we are looking for
- A good Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Strong knowledge in atomic, molecular and optical physics.
- Skills in computational modelling and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB or similar).
- Demonstrated interest or prior experience in theoretical and computational approaches to light-matter interactions.
- Ability to meet the academic requirements for PhD registration at Imperial College London.
- Willingness to undertake international travel and placements within the consortium. TRILOGY brings together 11 leading institutions across Europe to train 16 Doctoral Candidates at the forefront of theory and experiment in ultrafast science.
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the organization they are applying to for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment.
- Applicant must not yet been awarded a PhD degree and must be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers prior to the recruitment.
- The successful candidate will be employed as a Research Assistant and must apply for admission as a PhD student with Imperial College London and be able to meet our criteria for admission.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to work at a world-leading institution developing novel approaches for ultrafast and highly efficient chiral sensing and manipulation through state-of-the-art theoretical and computational modelling.
- A sector-leading salary and benefits package, including 41 days annual leave.
- Access to training modules, networking events and research exchanges within the Marie Curie Doctoral Network.
- Support for developing your PhD thesis, career skills and publication record.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
- The Research Assistant will be paid an attractive salary for 36 months (as defined in MSCA guidelines). The exact (net) salary will be confirmed upon appointment and is dependent on local tax, social and health insurance regulations and on the country correction factor (to allow for the difference in cost of living in the different EU Member States).
- The Research Assistant will also be compensated with a Mobility Allowance for researchers who have a family, as well as a Family Allowance. All amounts are subject to deductions and taxes. Family is defined as persons linked to the researcher by (i) marriage, or (ii) a relationship with equivalent status to a marriage recognised by the national legislation of the country of the beneficiary or of the nationality of the researcher, or (iii) dependent children who are being maintained by the researcher; family status is determined at recruitment and does not evolve.
Further information
- Start date: 01 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
- Duration: 36 months (full-time, fixed term)
- Base: Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London (White City Campus)
- Salary: £44,284.07 per annum (without Family Allowance) or £48,796.89 per annum (with Family Allowance).
- Contact: For informal enquiries, please contact Dr David Ayuso at d.ayuso@imperial.ac.uk
You will be recruited for a duration of 36 months and must work towards a PhD at Imperial College London. You will undertake periods of placement to other academic or industry institutes.
Please submit a CV, cover letter and completed application form by 23:59 (London UK time) on the closing date indicated on advert.
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