Research Fellow - AR3185

University of St Andrews - School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: St Andrews

Salary: £38,784 to £43,842 per annum.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 21st August 2025

Closes: 18th September 2025

Job Ref: 456201

For a major EPSRC-sponsored research programme to stabilize superconductivity in thin film nickelates, we are seeking outstanding candidates for a position as postdoctoral research fellow to work with the team of investigators, Profs Peter Wahl, Phil King, and Dr Andreas Rost to conduct an ambitious research programme. The successful candidate will work within the Centre of Designer Quantum Materials to conduct advanced spectroscopic measurements using low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and/or participate in thin film growth and characterization of the physical properties of these films. Dependent on the previous experience and interests of the successful applicant, the scope of the position between these techniques offers flexibility, but we seek a candidate who is interested to work collaboratively across the programme.

To this end, we seek outstanding candidates who have experience in STM, ARPES or MBE growth. This advert is for an experimental physicist with good knowledge of condensed matter physics, and excellent analytical skills and the ability to perform advanced data analysis using custom code.

The role will be part of a team, and therefore requires strong communication skills and an ability to coordinate work with others, and both lead and contribute to research projects. It involves undertaking advanced experimental research as well as complex data analysis and contributing to and leading writing of publications.

The project is embedded within the Centre for Designer Quantum Materials (https://www.quantummatter.co.uk), a collaborative research centre at the University of St Andrews. Housed in purpose-built and recently renovated lab space, this centre provides an active and vibrant research environment.

The successful candidate will join the CDQM, and will benefit from its superb resources, including capabilities for molecular-beam epitaxy growth, spectroscopic studies via scanning tunnelling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission, bespoke tools for transport and thermodynamic studies, and an extensive range of materials characterisation capabilities.

This is a fixed-term position, initially for up to two years to start 1 Oct or as soon as possible thereafter.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays, financial contribution to relocation, membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services, free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Prof Peter Wahl (wahl@st-andrews.ac.uk) or Prof Phil King (pdk6@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

Closing Date: 18 September 2025

Interview Date: 25 September 2025

Please quote ref: AR3185DD

Further Particulars: AR3185DD FPs.pdf