About this role
Role: Research Associate in Advanced AFM/KPFM for Photonic Materials Department: School of Engineering Grade: 6/7 (£33,020 - £41,086 per annum) Responsible to: Principal Investigator Campus: Belfast Reference: 042306 (Full-Time, Fixed term for 24 months) - ABOUT US - We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland. Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer. - THE ROLE - The Research Associate will contribute to the development, implementation, and calibration of a novel multifrequency open-loop Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (MF-OL-WT-KPFM) technique for advanced nanoscale electrical characterisation. The role will involve close collaboration with Dr Amir Farokh Payam to design hardware and software components of the proposed scanning probe microscopy methodology and to establish calibration protocols. The postholder will also lead the preparation and experimental characterisation of perovskite solar cell materials and devices, using the developed MF-OL-KPFM platform to investigate charge transport, photovoltage dynamics, and surface potential variations. The role includes contributing to data acquisition, signal processing, and analysis of nanoscale electrical phenomena to advance understanding of advanced energy materials. This position is funded through a UKRI FLF Fellowship and thus offers opportunities for further training and career development. The provisional start date for this position is 1st October 2026. - ABOUT YOU - - PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. - Experience in experimental research related to nanomaterials, semiconductor devices, or advanced materials. - Experience in data analysis and interpretation of experimental measurements. - Evidence of research outputs such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or technical reports. - Demonstrable contribution to collaborative research projects. Please find our employee benefits here: Employee Services & Benefits (ulster.ac.uk) Ulster University holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality in higher education. You can read more about what this means at https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/equality-charters/transformed-uk-athena-swan-charter and on our University website https://www.ulster.ac.uk/peopleandculture/employee-benefits/equality-diversity/athena-swan. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment, including flexible working. The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.