University of Warwick
Research Fellow (111806-0626)
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Research Fellow (111806-0626)
About the Role
Research Fellow in Crystallography (Superconductors & Correlated Oxides)
Informal Queries
For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Donald Evans (Senior Research Fellow) at Donald.M.Evans@warwick.ac.uk.
Flexible Working
We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised full-time.
Summary: An experienced Research Fellow is sought to advance crystallographic research on superconductors and correlated oxide materials. The role will focus on developing a detailed structural understanding of complex phases like weakly ordered and incommensurate crystalline systems using high-precision single-crystal XRD. Key areas of emphasis include:
- Subtle symmetry breaking
- Modulated structures
- Crystallographic heterogeneity
- Structural phase transitions
- Oxygen sublattice ordering
- Lattice instabilities
- Nanoscale inhomogeneity and defects (e.g. dislocations, stacking faults)
About You
Essential Requirements
- PhD (or near-submission) in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field.
- Strong background in crystallography or diffraction-based structural analysis.
- Demonstrable experience in studying:
- Weak/emergent symmetry lowering
- Incommensurate or modulated order
- Crystallographic disorder or subtle lattice distortions
- Related phenomena in superconductors or correlated oxides (e.g. ferroelectrics).
- Essential: Extensive hands-on experience with X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques (single-crystal or powder diffraction).
- Synchrotron beamtime experience is mandatory.
- A track record of synchrotron or large-scale facility work (e.g. instrument operation, user support, or method development) is highly valued.
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Desirable Skills
- Broad expertise in structural techniques beyond XRD (e.g. neutron scattering, NMR, or TEM) to complement XRD findings.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., LTM, GSAS, or in-house codes).
- Experience with low-temperature measurement techniques (e.g. cryostat systems for XRD).
- Pubshed peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals in the field.
Soft Skills
- Collaborative mindset: Bridge the gap between diffraction specialists and functional materials researchers by translating structural insights into broader research narratives.
- Proactive communication with experimental teams and open innovation within interdisciplinary projects.
PhD Status & Salary Progression
- If near submission or finalising your PhD, offers will be at Research Assistant (grpc 5, £34,610/year).
- Upon PhD conferral, the role transitions to Research Fellow (grpc 6, £35,608/year).
About the Department
Team Overview
The appointee will integrate the X-Ray Diffraction team (led by Prof Mark Senn, specialising in advanced structural methods) and the Functional Materials group (led by Dr Don Evans, exploring superconductors and oxides via in-situ and nanoscale characterisation methods such as cryogenic atomic force microscopy).
Key Responsibilities
- Apply XRD expertise to functional materials projects while leveraging insights from superconductivity measurements (e.g. phase transitions, oxygen-ordering).
- Promote collaborative research by interpreting XRD results in the context of c-AFM, Raman, or other complementary techniques.
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University Context
The Department of Physics at Warwick comprises:
- 200+ staff (academic, technical, administrative)
- 1,000+ undergraduates and 200+ postgraduate researchers
- Rennowned for equality and inclusion (e.g. Silver Athena SWAN award, IOP Inclusion Award).
How to Apply
Deadline
Monday 6 July 2026 (11:55 PM UK time).
Application Instructions
Submit via the portal below: 🔗 APPLY HERE
Required Documents
- CV – Outline academic/employment history.
- Cover Letter – Clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria with specific examples.
Important Note
Applications missing evidence for essential criteria may not be shortlisted.
Interview & Start Date
- Interview Date: July 2026
- Start Date: Pending expedited availability
What We Offer
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Pension scheme (incremental contribution)
- 30 days holiday (+ University Christmas closure)
- Generous parental/adoption leave
- Onsite childcare facilities (subject to availability)
- Living wage employer
- Flexible working options
- Learning & development opportunities tailored to staff growth.
Further Information
- Warwick Physics Research: warwick.ac.uk/physics/research
- Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Commitments: Our Commitments | Warwick.
- Career Support: For writing tips/guidance.
*Note: WARWICK laddered salary grades listed under "PhD Status" reflect full-time equivalents.
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