Research Fellow

Queen's University Belfast - School of Mathematics and Physics

Location: Belfast

Salary: £41,519 to £49,536 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 20th April 2026

Closes: 11th May 2026

Job Ref: 26/113257

About the job

To be a highly productive, ambitious and collaborative member of the Polarisation-driven surface chemistry on free-standing ferroelectrics research project.

The post holder will contribute to the design and delivery of advanced experimental research, with a focus on in-situ Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of functional oxide materials under controlled environmental conditions (e.g., gas and temperature).

The role will investigate how ferroelectric polarisation couples with surface chemistry and external stimuli (e.g. gas, temperature, and electric fields) using electron microscopy and correlative techniques.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to develop expertise and independence in advanced in-situ TEM methods, working within a collaborative UK–Ireland partnership and contributing to challenges in clean energy and sustainable materials.

The post holder will contribute to independent research, supervision, planning, collaborations, and outreach.

The post holder will benefit from:

• Experience in advanced in-situ microscopy techniques
• Access to interdisciplinary collaboration across experiment and modelling

About the person

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Normally have or be about to obtain a PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience, or a closely related discipline, with experience in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for materials characterisation.

Recent relevant research experience to include:

• Proven experience in transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) techniques for material characterisation, including high resolution imaging, spectroscopy (e.g., EDX) and diffraction.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret complex experimental datasets.
• Experience working effectively as part of a collaborative or interdisciplinary research team
• Evidence of a strong publication record commensurate with career stage

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.