Research Associate in 2D (opto)spintronics and (spin)caloritronics

About the role

The Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge is looking for a Research Associate in 2D (opto)spintronics and (spin)caloritronics, within Prof. Marcos Guimarães' Optospintronics of Quantum Materials group. The role holder works with a team of PhD students to design and carry out experimental investigations of the spintronic, orbitronic, thermal and thermoelectric properties of 2D materials and heterostructures, including topological materials such as Chern insulators and Weyl semimetals, magnets and ferroelectrics. Device fabrication and characterisation uses the facilities of the Guimarães group, CORDE and the Cambridge Graphene Centre. The appointment depends on having a PhD; those close to completion start at Research Assistant level.

Key responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals, and conduct individual and collaborative research projects
• Write up research work for presentation and publication
• Manage own research and administrative activities, and help prepare funding and contractual proposals
• May supervise student projects, give limited teaching to classes, develop student research skills and run seminars
• Liaise with colleagues and students and build internal and external contacts
• Plan the use of research resources, laboratories and workshops

Required profile

• PhD (or very close to it) in Experimental Solid-State Physics or a closely related discipline
• Strong background in 2D materials, thermoelectrics and caloritronics, and in magnetism and spintronics
• Proven organisational, communication and team-working skills, and proven skills in leading article writing
• Ability to write reports, present results and contribute to academic papers, with high accuracy and attention to detail

Required skills

• Cleanroom nanofabrication
• Van der Waals heterostructure assembly
• Numerical and finite-element modelling

Salary is £38,448-£46,970 (Grade 7) for Research Associate and £35,302 (Grade 5) for Research Assistant. The contract is full-time, fixed term, with a hybrid working pattern, and the closing date is 15 November 2026.