Research Fellow In High-Resolution Spm Imaging Of Organic Semiconductors

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974. Contract Type: Fixed Term up to June 2026 UK and Global travel will be required as part of this role We are looking for a Research Fellow to work in the area of experimental nanoscience at surfaces. The post holder will join the Group led by Prof. Giovanni Costantini in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. For over 20 years, the CostantiniLab has been exploring the fundamental interactions and properties of functional molecular units on solid surfaces as well as developing novel cutting-edge methods for characterising these systems at the molecular and atomic scale. The project will be based on the innovative methodology – electrospray deposition combined with scanning tunnelling microscopy, ESD-STM – recently developed by the Costantini Group (see for example Sci. Adv., 2018; Adv. Mater., 2020; JACS, 2021; ACS Nano, 2022; Adv. Funct. Mater., 2023). The aim of the project is to apply the high precision and rigour of surface science – in particular the ultimate spatial resolution of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) – to solve analytical problems that are intractable with any other current characterisation technique. Perform research and collect data in the specified area to a high level of competency and quality. Contribute to developing new ideas, directions, techniques and methods in order to advance the project and enhance its quality. Person spec Hold a first degree in area of specialism (typically Physics, Chemistry, Material Science) and have completed a higher degree (PhD or one near to completion or equivalent qualifications) relevant to research area Practical mindset with a strong focus on problem solving and hands-on experience in a laboratory environment including instrumentation maintenance Excellent research profile in the area of experimental surface science and/or molecular systems at surfaces High-level expertise of and proven experience in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) technology and the use of standard surface science preparation – e.g. sputtering, annealing, organic molecular beam deposition (OMBD) – and analytical techniques – e.g. LEED, AES, etc. High-level expertise of and proven experience in using advanced UHV analytical techniques such as scanning probe microscopy (SPM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. Desirable: experience in one of more of the following techniques Low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (LT-STM) Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) Non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) Electrospray deposition (ESD) and/or electrospray ion beam deposition (ESIBD) Synchrotron-based surface science measurements such as XPS, NEXAFS, SXRD, NIXSW, etc. Ability and experience to install, optimise, maintain and repair relevant equipment and to train other personnel on operation of this equipment. Desirable: experience in developing new surface science instrumentation (e.g. designing UHV systems, developing new techniques, building set-ups, etc.) Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team on research programmes. Informal enquires can be made to Prof. Giovanni Costantini, g.costantini@bham.ac.uk  To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above. Valuing excellence, sustaining investment We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working