Applications are sought for a committed Research Fellow to work with Dr Ross Gillanders conducting research for a Scottish Enterprise funded project building a spin-out company, Lightwater Sensors, based within the School of Physics & Astronomy.   

Lightwater Sensors is an early-stage spin-out company focused on the development and deployment of polymer-based optical sensors for water contaminants and explosives. The Research Fellow will chiefly conduct research & development on building the sensor portfolio for legacy and emerging contaminants, characterise the sensors in laboratory settings, and participate in field trials. The project involves close collaboration with colleagues within the Organic Semiconductor Centre, external contractors including engineers and suppliers, and end-users including water companies. We seek a highly motivated and excellent candidate with a research interest in materials development and optical sensor fabrication & characterisation.  

This commercially-driven project concerns the development of organic semiconductor based sensors to detect a range of target chemicals. The researcher will ideally have expertise in the fabrication and spectroscopy of polymer films, and sensor characterisation. They will use the fabrication and characterisation facilities of the Organic Semiconductor Centre to develop and test sensors to build a sensor library for water pollutants including but not limited to pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.  

The main duty is to conduct technology development of fluorescent sensors made from organic semiconductors which will be assessed for their potential in water pollutant detection. Key duties are to conduct relevant individual and collaborative translational research projects; design and perform experiments; analyse and interpret data; plan and manage own research and development activity; interact effectively with collaborators; take a lead in preparing reports, and set an example of good laboratory practice to research students. Field work at relevant sites locally and internationally may be required, as well as travel to project partners and conferences.   The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or similar, with expertise in thin film coatings and/or polymers.  Prior experience of materials, spectroscopy, and environmental sensing is desirable.  

The post is available for 6 months in the first instance starting 1st of June 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.   

Further details of the project can be found by contacting Dr Ross Gillanders at rg89@st-andrews.ac.uk.   

Applications are particularly welcome 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.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Please quote ref: AR2816MR

Closing Date: 26 May 2023

Further Particulars: AR2816MR FPs.doc

School of Physics & Astronomy

Salary: £36,333 - £43,155 per annum, pro rata (Rising to £37,099 - £44,263 per annum, pro rata from 1 August 2023)

Fixed Term: 6 months in the first instance

Start: 1 June 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter