Research Assistant / Associate in modelling the electronic structure of plasmonic nanoparticles
Publicerad 2025-02-17
The post is funded by a Royal Society Enhanced Research Expenses Request grant whose goal is to develop novel atomistic modelling techniques to understand and control hot-carrier processes in plasmonic nanomaterials.
Hot carriers generated from the decay of localized surface plasmons in metallic nanostructures are promising for developing highly efficient solar energy conversion devices, such as solar cells or photocatalysts. However, despite much work fundamental questions about hot carrier processes remain unsolved and the lack of atomistic insight into these processes is holding back the field. To address this challenge, the post holder will contribute to the development of novel atomistic modelling techniques to simulate the interaction of light with nanoparticles and carry out calculations to discover novel nanomaterials with tailored compositions, shapes and environments to optimize the generation of hot carriers for specific applications
Developing new methods to study hot-carrier generation and thermalisation in plasmonic nanoparticlesUsing the new methods to discover new plasmonic nanomaterials with tailored composition, shape and environment to enhance hot-carrier generationAssociated data analysis and the interpretation of the dataAssist the other Research staff in the day-to-day management of the research group laboratoriesTo liaise with the other research staff and students working in broad areas of relevance to the research project, providing training where appropriateTo write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via journals, presentations and the webTo attend progress and management meetings as required and network with the other research groupsTo comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register of Interests PoliciesTo actively participate in the research programme of the GroupTo publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetingsTo participate in Group research meetings and internal seminarsTo collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriateTo contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratoriesAssist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as requiredTo comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriateAny other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division/Department/Section Research Associate: Hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experienceExperience in using electronic structure theory to model light-mater interactions of nanomaterials with applications to plasmonicsPractical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journalsExperience in programming for parallel computer architecturesExperience with the tight-binding formalism The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading as well as opportunities for promotion and progression. Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various and resources to support your personal and professional . Bespoke career mentoring and coaching to help you identify your career goals and support in achieving them.
