Research Associate in Physics

Loughborough University - Department of Physics

Location: Loughborough University, Loughborough, Hybrid/On-site

Salary: From £35,608 Specialist and Supporting Academic Research Grade 6. Subject to annual pay award.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Temporary, Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 19th January 2026

Closes: 8th March 2026

Job Ref: REQ260019

This position is Full Time, Fixed Term.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in magnetic microscopy to work on “Thermally-driven motion of spin textures” within the Future Leader Fellowship project lead by Dr Naëmi Leo. This project uses the novel localised plasmonic heaters to create fast, efficient, and versatile reconfigurable thermal landscapes controlled by light polarisation, power and illumination patterns. (https://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C9NR01628G, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.18.024014). By creating hybrid devices combining the optical control of thermal gradients with magnetic materials, the post holder is expected to quantify thermal motion of spin textures to deepen our understanding of the underlying driving processes.

The project will be undertaken in the physics department at Loughborough University and involves collaborations with internal colleagues and facilities, as well as with national and international project partners such as EXTREMAG (UK) and Durham University (UK). This project involves using novel hybrid magneto-thermoplasmonic devices to generate thermal gradients under different optical illumination conditions for the controlled motion of spin textures, including domain walls and Skyrmions.

As such, the successful candidate should enjoy challenging hands-on experimental work in the laboratory, with experience in magnetic microscopy via MOKE magnetometry and/or synchrotron x-ray methods, as well as post-experiment image analysis, as evidenced by strong publications. The successful candidate should have completed or be about to obtain a PhD in physics or material science within the field of magnetism or spintronics. Further desirable experience and skills include solid competency in programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, C++, etc) for data analysis and control of experimental setups, experience in micromagnetic or multiphysics simulations, and knowledge of various structural and magnetic characterisation techniques and instrumentation (such as nanolithography, magneto-transport, MOKE, AFM, XRD).

The post is for a minimum of 24 months (with a possible extension dependent upon performance and available funding). We aspire providing bespoke support to physicists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive environment that fosters excellence for all researchers.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Naëmi Leo (n.leo@lboro.ac.uk).

For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme

Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities

Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies

Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support

Travel and sustainability- access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.