Job Description

2 years potentially renewable for a further 1 to 2 years

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infrared to x-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

About the Role

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join our X-ray Magnetic Spectroscopy team. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct in pioneering research on topological magnetic structures utilizing advanced synchrotron-based techniques. The main objective is to develop and apply state-of-the-art methods for probing magnetization dynamics using polarized soft x-rays, both at Diamond Light Source and at partner synchrotron facilities abroad.



Topological magnetic structures--such as domain walls, skyrmions, antiskyrmions, hopfions, torons, merons, and blochions--are stable, spatially localized spin configurations that persist over time. These entities, especially in non-collinear magnetic systems, exhibit complex excitations across a wide range of timescales, influencing spin-polarized electrons and magnons through emergent electric and magnetic fields, thereby affecting transport phenomena. While traditional ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) techniques have been instrumental in probing magnetic parameters and indirectly identifying dynamic modes of skyrmions, direct access to the dynamics of topological magnetic systems requires more advanced techniques. By exploiting the well-established x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) effect and synchronizing radio frequency fields with synchrotron-generated X-ray pulses (~500 MHz), x-ray detected FMR (XFMR) enables measurement of both the amplitude and phase of spin precession in chemically distinct layers at GHz frequencies.



Over the past decade, we have developed (and applied) a comprehensive suite of synchrotron-based magnetic characterisation techniques, including diffractive and reflectivity FMR = DFMR and RFMR [van der Laan & Hesjedal, Nucl. Instrum. Meth. B 540, 85 (2023)], uniquely unravelling their topological static and mode- and layer-resolved dynamic properties. Using our CD-REXS technique, we also discovered entangled 3D skyrmion structures, such as chiral bobbers, which are terminated by magnetic monopoles. We are now seeking to extend these studies to include magnetic Hopfion textures.



In addition to this core project, you will contribute to our broader current research topics on novel materials such as magnetic topological insulators, 2D van der Waals materials, and synthetic antiferromagnets. The role also involves instrumental development, including design, procurement, testing, and maintenance of bespoke scientific equipment and software to perform novel experiments. You will be encouraged to propose and pursue new research ideas within the area of x-ray magnetic spectroscopy.



You will work under the supervision of a Senior Research Fellow at Diamond, in close collaboration with the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford and other academic partners. The position is research-focused, with an emphasis on scientific excellence and high-profile publications.

About You

You will hold a PhD in physics (or a closely related field), preferably followed by postdoctoral or equivalent experience. You will have worked in a relevant research area and have a strong scientific publication record. A solid knowledge in magnetism and magnetic measurement techniques using synchrotron radiation is essential. Willingness to travel internationally for experiments and collaboration is also required.


You should bring experience and/or knowledge in several of the following areas:

Use of scientific instrumentation. At least one of the following soft X-ray synchrotron techniques: x-ray magnetic circular/linear dichroism, resonant magnetic x-ray reflectivity, resonant elastic x-ray scattering, x-ray imaging or holography. Ferromagnetic resonance or microwave spectroscopy. Magnetic characterization. Magnetization dynamics. Data and/or image analysis. Programming skills in Python or similar.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and please tell us which role you are applying for and why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The closing date for applications is 22 June 2025.