"Research Innovation Associate in Ultrafast Magnetism and Spintronics"

University of Exeter - Environment, Science and Economy Faculty

This full-time post is available from 20/03/2026 until 29/09/2029

This post is conditional on research funding.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Professor R. J. Hicken. This Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded post is available from 30 March 2026. The successful applicant will investigate all optical switching processes in candidate multilayered data storage media.

The post will include measurement of novel multilayered magnetic materials by a variety of optical measurement techniques. This will include wide field Kerr microscopy of the final state induced by an ultrafast laser pulse, and time resolved beam scanning microscopy in a high field environment with the use of a micro-coil pulse generator as a reset mechanism. Additional magnetotransport measurements of Hall bar samples will be performed within the microscopes. Some adaptation of existing apparatus will be carried out.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to perform ultrafast optical measurements, integrate items of advanced instrumentation, and interpret time resolved measurements of magnetic materials by drawing upon a deep understanding of quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and condensed matter physics, including magnetic materials and spintronics.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/ Cornwall

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

Further information

For further information please contact Professor R. J. Hicken, e-mail r.j.hicken@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 724153.

Interviews are expected to take place on 23/02/2026.