The University of Manchester
Research Associate - In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy of Electrocatalytic Systems

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Job Description
You will be working on a project within the University of Manchester, collaborating with researchers in the electron microscopy centre of the Nancy Rothwell Building and the National Graphene Institute (NGI). This work will involve ex-situ characterisation of a variety of beam-sensitive electrocatalytic materials using a range of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques across the microscopes available at the University of Manchester. This work will be in tandem with and supporting the development of in-situ transmission electron microscopy capabilities for the real-time visualisation of electrocatalysts under operating conditions. In-situ microscopy will be facilitated using the Protochips specialist electrochemical Poseidon holder.
About You
You should demonstrate extensive experience of STEM characterisation of electron beam sensitive materials, including imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy, with experience of acquiring 4-dimensional STEM (4D-STEM) and STEM electron-energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) data. User experience with the FEI Talos F200A and FEI Titan “ChemiSTEM” (G2 80–200) is preferred, as well as experience in TEM/STEM image processing and simulation using open-source Python packages such as hyperspy, pyxem, atomic simulation environment (ASE) and abTEM as well as user experience with the Protochips specialist electrochemical Poseidon holder for electrochemistry.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
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StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
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Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Our Benefits
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
- Purple Place employee discount platform
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.


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Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
Name: Sarah Haigh
Email Address: sarah.haigh@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
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