Research Associate in NanoPhotonics (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for an experimental researcher post available from July 2026 for 2 years. The researcher will be part of the NanoPhotonics group, which looks at nanoscale assembly and nanophotonics interactions. The candidate will join a dynamic and diverse team that values collaboration, within an ERC-funded Synergy grant on DNA for Optomechanics. The role holder will develop new nanophotonics approaches to study the dynamics of nano-constructs based on assembling DNA origami and plasmonic particles. For recent work see https://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk.

Project: Nano-optics of plasmonic DNA-polymer nanomachines

This project aims to combine DNA nanotechnologies with active polymers and plasmonic constructs to measure and drive nano-machinery. You will work with a diverse team constructing different architectures that are reconfigurable, and build new optical rigs capable of tracking single particle motion as well as providing motive power. You will also support other projects that exploit plasmonic confinement of light in nanoscale cavities, continuing our work on nanoscale assembly with molecular layers and colloidal-assembly nanoparticle gaps. This research will require strong knowledge and experience of advanced optical engineering, plasmonic spectroscopies, and nano-optics. We therefore welcome applications with aligned scientific backgrounds. Experience in DNA or colloidal assembly, Raman scattering, and plasmonics would be advantageous.

Job requirements

Candidates will have, or be close to obtaining, a physics or chemistry PhD or a related discipline, with proven experience in measuring optical dynamics on the nanoscale, and in developing plasmonics devices. In addition to proven experimental skills the candidate should ideally have experience in working across disciplinary boundaries where soft and condensed matter physics meet. They should expect to be involved in both construction of new optical spectroscopy rigs using lasers as well as a variety of chemical sample preparations or synthesis. Experience in the field of plasmonics or 3D metamaterials or soft colloidal materials would be helpful, as well as with DNA origami, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and chemistry of nano-assembly and nano-systems.

The UK NanoPhotonics Centre (www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk) collaborates widely across the University of Cambridge including the Departments of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics of Medicine, Cancer Research UK, Chemical Engineering, Materials as well as many international partners, industry, with several major EU programmes. Recent publications can be seen on our website (above). Prof JJ Baumberg, FRS, is an acknowledged leader in discovering and assembling nanomaterials for novel photonics.

Appointment at Research Associate is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD (in which case appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant and amended to Research Associate when the PhD is awarded).

Salary Ranges: Research Associate: £37,694 -£46,049 (Grade 7). Research Assistant (if PhD has not yet been awarded): £34,610 (Grade 5)

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquires may be addressed to Prof Jeremy Baumberg (jjb12@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference KA49003 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

Department of Physics

Salary

£33,002-£46,049

Reference

KA49003

Category

Research

Date published

3 March 2026

Closing date

12 April 2026