Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Phonon Spectroscopy

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Phonon
Spectroscopy. This full-time, fixed-term post is available for 12 months until
30 June 2026, and is an exciting and challenging role which has the potential
to contribute to the development of open source software.





Vibrational modes in solids (phonons) affect fundamental physical properties
such as the conduction of heat and sound and probing these modes provides a
wealth of information about a materials system. Recent advances have made it
possible to measure vibrational modes of materials at nanometer resolution
within the Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM). This is a spatial
resolution many times greater than the conventional tools used to probe
vibrational modes, such as IR and Raman spectroscopy. This development opens
up new directions in materials characterization (e.g. FS Hage, RJ Nicholls et
al., Sci. Adv. 4, eaar7495 (2018)).





To support this new technique, we have developed theoretical framework based
on first-principles, quantum mechanical calculations which allows a direct
interpretation of the experimental measurement. The post holder will develop
methods for interpreting experimental EELS spectra arising from phonon
vibrations using methods based on DFT or molecular dynamics. The work will be
carried out in close collaboration with experimental groups in Oxford
Materials.





All applications must be made online using the Oxford University E-Recruitment
system, no later than 12 noon on Friday 4 April 2025. You will be required to
upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. **Please
do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or
certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application. **





Interviews are scheduled to take place at the Department of Materials on
Thursday 24 April and you must be available, either by Teams, Zoom or in
person.