Job Description

Salary

The starting salary will be 43,482 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience.

Contractual hours

36.5

Package

Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).

Job category/type

Research

Date posted

01/10/2025

Job reference

Q08905

Environment, Science and Economy Faculty.

The post

This new full-time post is available on a fixed-term basis from 01/02/2026 to 31/01/2028 in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the EPSRC-funded research project "Ultrafast manipulation of magnetic order via charge transfer in van der Waals heterostructures". The project focuses on visualizing and manipulating antiferromagnetic spins of 2D van der Waals magnetic materials, in both space and time. The project seeks to integrate semiconducting and magnetic properties at the atomic level and ultrafast timescale, crucial for the development of faster, more energy-efficient data storage and quantum devices.

The post will involve fabricating 2D van der Waals heterostructures, carrying out magnetic and electrical characterization at low temperatures and high magnetic fields, conducting time-resolved pump-probe experiments using ultrafast lasers, analysing data, and disseminating results at national and international conferences. The project is in partnership with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Florida, the University of Edinburgh, and Seagate Technology.

About you

Applicants should hold a relevant PhD in Physics or an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field. The successful applicant will have an extensive knowledge of condensed matter physics, magnetism, 2D materials, and optics. In addition, we expect the candidate to have:

hands-on experience with 2D materials fabrication and/or ultrafast lasers. a collaborative mindset, clear communication skills, and enthusiasm for scientific discovery. the ability to work independently and familiarity with recent relevant scientific literature. programming skills in at least one of the following (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB or C++).

Please ensure you read the and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

A multitude of staff benefits including generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme, relocation package (if applicable), maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy. A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon. Access to excellent infrastructure, which includes cleanroom, Imaging Suite, and the Exeter Time-Resolved Magnetism (EXTREMAG) facility. Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research. Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Maciej D?browski, e-mail: m.k.dabrowski@exeter.ac.uk