Applications are invited for a full-time 24-month Postdoctoral Research Fellow (AC 2) post to model the dielectric and transport properties of highly excited insulators and water, from first principles.

Outcomes of the modelling are expected to contribute to the interpretation of ongoing and future experiments using ultra-short proton pulses to investigate the role of nanoscale inhomogeneity on post-irradiation energy transport and opacity (New J. Phys. 22 103023 2020). This is a novel experimental technique with a unique capability to access the ultrafast electronic and lattice dynamics in the bulk of a transparent insulator.

The research will be carried out as a part of the EPSRC “Ultrafast Nanodosimetry” project (EP/W017245/1) led by Prof. B. Dromey at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).  The modelling part will be co-ordinated by Dr Lorenzo Stella, also at QUB.

The successful candidate must have:

• Have or are about to obtain a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, or closely related discipline. (NB ‘about to obtain’ is normally defined as within 3 months of application date)
• Working knowledge of condensed matter physics.
• Working knowledge of transport properties of materials.
• A proven track record of performing first principles modelling of condensed matter, e.g., using density functional theory (DFT).
• Experience performing original research, demonstrated through a record of publications in top-tier journals and conference papers and presentations commensurate with stage of career.

Candidates should also demonstrate the capability to undertake research in close connection with experimental partners.

The successful candidate will join the Centre for Light-Matter Interactions (CLMI) and the School of Mathematics and Physics at QUB. The School hosts the 20 TW laser TARANIS and has regular access to the NI-HPC tier 2 national computing centre, along with other high performance computing facilities.

More information about the Centre for Light-Matter Interactions can be found at http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/light-matter-interactions/

QUB is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The School of Mathematics and Physics holds the silver award of the Athena SWAN charter for advancement of gender equality. 

QUB also subscribes to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit: http://www.qub.ac.uk/diversity http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/QueensGenderInitiative and http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Lorenzo Stella at l.stella@qub.ac.uk

More information about the application process can be found at https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DFI409/research-fellow.

Closing Date: 12 February 2024