Job Description

The world-renowned Cavendish Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated student who enjoys working as part of a team to undertake a PhD in the NanoPhotonics Group (NP) led by Professor Jeremy J Baumberg, FRS (https://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk/), as part of UK targeted collaboration on 3D Metamaterials.


Metamaterials provide emergent properties by combining nano-scale building blocks to elicit properties far beyond simple averaging over the component materials involved, instead giving exciting opportunities for new functionalities that are not found in natural materials. However there are very few examples of them being yet practical, because of the difficulty of realistic scale-up. Potential applications are for energy absorption and harvesting, mechanical intelligence, enhanced sensors, anti-fouling protection and much more.


Going beyond existing work using expensive fabrication of planar 2D metamaterials, this project explores routes to use nano-assembly to create 3D metamaterials, using a variety of building blocks from noble metal nanoparticles, to DNA nanostructures and precision colloidal architectures. We have previously explored many intriguing opportunities to make actively tuning metamaterials, such as incorporating electro-chromic or thermo-responsive molecules, and you would push this work into completely new areas. You would build new nano-optical rigs to probe their properties, as well as develop ways to manipulate and advance the nano-assembly processes. You would also be involved in scale-up on roll-to-roll pre-pilot kit, to explore applications for these advanced materials.


You would work as part of a larger team spread across a number of sites including Warwick and KCL London, who will provide different opportunities for you to develop the research. You would be also involved in the new UK Metamaterials Hub in which we are playing a leading role.


You would gain experience across a wide range of interdisciplinary areas including nano-assembly, optics, colloidal chemistry, and simulations across physics, chemistry, and engineering.


Applicants should have, or be expected to gain, a high (1st or 2:1) honours degree in Physics or Chemistry.


Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.


For any enquiries about the project please e-mail Prof Jeremy J Baumberg (jjb12@cam.ac.uk).


Please quote reference KA47350 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Key information

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Department/location

Department of Physics

Salary

Reference

KA47350

Category

Studentships

Date published

22 September 2025

Closing date

1 November 2025