As part of an EPSRC-sponsored research programme, we are seeking an ambitious and motivated postdoctoral research fellow to work within the electronic structure group of Prof. Phil King on strain tuning of the electronic structure and many-body interactions of quantum materials.  You will employ angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), utilising existing, and developing new, bespoke capabilities for applying in situ strain control to investigate how the emergent states of quantum materials can be tuned by uniaxial strain. 

We are looking for an experimental physicist, with excellent knowledge of condensed matter physics, and ideally with existing skills measuring, analysing, and interpreting complex experimental data and/or in the development/design of custom instrumentation. The role will involve using state-of-the-art equipment for laser-based and spin-resolved ARPES in the St Andrews lab, and implementing new strain capabilities for these systems as well as at international synchrotron light sources. To this end, there is the possibility to spend an extended period(s) at the brand new beamline for synchrotron-based ARPES at the Max-IV synchrotron, Lund. This project also includes a close collaboration with the groups of Prof. Andy Mackenzie and Dr. Clifford Hicks at the Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden.

We seek an outstanding candidate who will make contributions across the breadth of the research programme, will take an active role in day-to-day supervision of students, and will make active contributions to the broader research group (https://www.quantummatter.co.uk/king), whose interests include complex oxides [1-4], 2D quantum materials [5,6], and topological and Rashba systems [7]. The research group and project are embedded within the Centre for Designer Quantum Materials (https://www.quantummatter.co.uk), a collaborative research centre at the University of St Andrews. Housed in purpose-built and recently renovated lab space, this centre provides an active and vibrant research environment. 

You will join the CDQM, and will benefit from its superb resources, including capabilities for molecular-beam epitaxy growth, spectroscopic studies via scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission, bespoke tools for transport and thermodynamic studies, and an extensive range of materials characterisation capabilities. 

Three additional research fellow positions are currently also available within the CDQM in: scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy of strain tuning of emergent states of matter (Ref: AR4422SB), thermodynamic and transport studies of designer heterostructures of strongly correlated electron systems (Ref: AR2377SB), and in developing bespoke instrumentation for in situ scanning probe measurements of thin-film quantum materials (Ref: AR2378). If you would be interested in applying for multiple of these positions, please mention this in your cover letter indicating an order of preference. It is not necessary to submit multiple applications. 

[1] Sunko et al., Nature 549 (2017) 492;
[2] Mazzola et al., PNAS 115 (2018) 12956; [3] Sunko et al., npj Quantum Materials 4 (2019) 46; [4] Marković et al., arXiv 2001.09499 (2020); [5] Feng et al., Nano Lett. 18 (2018) 4493; [6] Riley et al., Nature Physics 10 (2014) 835; [7] Bahramy et al., Nature Materials 17 (2018) 21.

This is a fixed term post for up to 3 years starting in September 2020, although earlier or later start dates are possible by negotiation.

Informal enquiries can be directed to: Prof Phil King, Email: pdk6@st-andrews.ac.uk 

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, Minority or Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in Research posts at the University.

The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through our working on diversity awards (ECU Athena SWAN/Race Charters; Carer Positive; LGBT Charter; and Stonewall).  More details can be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.

Please quote ref:  AR2376SB

Closing Date:  6 August 2020

Interview Date:  17 August 2020 (via Skype) 

Further Particulars:  AR2376SB FPs.doc

School of Physics and Astronomy
Salary: £33,797 - £35,845 per annum
Start: As soon as possible
Fixed term for up to 3 years