"Research Fellow in Thin Film Microscopy"

Research Fellow in Thin Film Microscopy

University of Southampton - Mechanical Engineering

Placed On: 16th October 2025

Closes: 20th November 2025

Job Ref: 3243225DA

Full Time Fixed Term for 22 months

The Energy Technology Group at the University of Southampton invites applications for a post-doctoral research fellow position in the area of experimental optics, lamellar liquid crystals and lubrication. This position is ideally suited for researchers fascinated by light interaction with ordered and disordered nanoscale systems and interested in developing optical technology to characterize them and explore their behaviour in tribological contacts. We offer an exciting opportunity for an enterprising candidate to join a truly multidisciplinary project, sponsored by the EPSRC, which will be carried out by a team of experimental physicists, chemists, and mechanical engineers. The project will use a well-documented optical microscopy technique to develop an exciting novel setup for in-situ investigation of lamellar liquid crystal lubricants in tribological contacts.

To support the extensive experimental side of the programme, you will have strong practical skills and a track record in the areas of optical microscopy, fibre laser optics imaging techniques and lubrication. Your prime responsibilities will be the development of the bespoke version of optical setup fitted on the tribometer, its operation, testing its capabilities, running experiments and formulating protocols for its optimum use in various operating conditions. The aim is to establish structure-property relationships between different nano-structured films and their optical response.

It is essential you have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications, and experience in aligning and setting up bespoke optical set ups. Experience in working with soft matter, organic layer samples and lubricants would be beneficial.

You will conduct independent, high quality experimental research and work closely with post-doctoral researchers, senior academics, and industrial project partners in London and Tokyo, who will be responsible for the theoretical and management aspects of the project. As a member of the Energy Technology Group within Mechanical Engineering at Southampton you will benefit from the extensive network of collaborations with members of the group. There will be an opportunity to guide PhD and Master students.

Funding is available initially for 22 months with a possible 6 months extension starting from 5 January 2026.

For further information please contact Dr Monica Ratoi (m.ratoi@soton.ac.uk)

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