The researcher will be part of the NanoPhotonics group, which looks at nanoscale assembly and nanophotonics interactions. The candidate will join a dynamic and diverse team that values collaboration, within an ERC-funded Synergy grant on DNA for Optomechanics. The role holder will develop new nanophotonics approaches to study the dynamics of nano-constructs based on assembling DNA origami and plasmonic particles. For recent work see https://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk/.

Project: Nano-optics of plasmonic DNA-polymer nanomachines

This project aims to combine DNA nanotechnologies with active polymers and plasmonic constructs to measure and drive nano-machinery. You will work with a diverse team constructing different architectures that are reconfigurable, and build new optical rigs capable of tracking single particle motion as well as providing motive power. You will also support other projects that exploit plasmonic confinement of light in nanoscale cavities, continuing our work on nanoscale assembly with molecular layers and colloidal-assembly nanoparticle gaps.

Requirements

• Candidates will have, or be close to obtaining, a physics or chemistry PhD or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in measuring optical dynamics on the nanoscale.
• Proven experience in developing plasmonics devices.
• Strong knowledge and experience of advanced optical engineering.
• Strong knowledge and experience of plasmonic spectroscopies.
• Strong knowledge and experience of nano-optics.
• Ideally, experience in working across disciplinary boundaries where soft and condensed matter physics meet.
• Expect to be involved in both construction of new optical spectroscopy rigs using lasers as well as a variety of chemical sample preparations or synthesis.
• Experience in the field of plasmonics or 3D metamaterials or soft colloidal materials would be helpful.
• Experience with DNA origami would be helpful.
• Experience with surface-enhanced Raman scattering would be helpful.
• Experience with chemistry of nano-assembly and nano-systems would be helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop new nanophotonics approaches to study the dynamics of nano-constructs based on assembling DNA origami and plasmonic particles.
• Work with a diverse team constructing different architectures that are reconfigurable.
• Build new optical rigs capable of tracking single particle motion as well as providing motive power.
• Support other projects that exploit plasmonic confinement of light in nanoscale cavities.
• Continue work on nanoscale assembly with molecular layers and colloidal-assembly nanoparticle gaps.

Benefits

Salary Ranges:

• Research Associate: £37,694 -£46,049 (Grade 7)
• Research Assistant (if PhD has not yet been awarded): £34,610 (Grade 5)

About UK NanoPhotonics Centre

The UK NanoPhotonics Centre (http://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk/) collaborates widely across the University of Cambridge including the Departments of Chemistry, Engineering, Physics of Medicine, Cancer Research UK, Chemical Engineering, Materials as well as many international partners, industry, with several major EU programmes. Prof JJ Baumberg, FRS, is an acknowledged leader in discovering and assembling nanomaterials for novel photonics.

Application Process

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please quote reference KA49003 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Contact

Informal enquires may be addressed to Prof Jeremy Baumberg (jjb12@cam.ac.uk).

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk.