Area
Physics & Astronomy
Location
University Park
Salary
£31,387 to £46,485 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Closing Date
Monday 05 January 2026
Reference
SCI276925
Applications are invited for an ambitious Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to work on the development of new optical memristor devices. Memristor (or resistive memory) is a form of non-volatile memory that is seen as a potential candidate for the replacement of Flash and SDRAM memory. However, it is their ability to emulate the memory and learning properties of biological synapses and their potential to produce a new generation of ultra-high performance artificial intelligent devices that has ignited researchers’ interest in these remarkable devices. The aim of this position is to explore and develop new types of memristors that can be switched both optically and electronically, therefore opening the route to new applications in computer vision.
The position will be based in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Nottingham which has a thriving research culture of both experimental and theoretical groups across a broad spectrum of physics topics including condensed matter physics and nanoscience. Academics within the department are highly regarded for their excellence in research and teaching. They have a history of securing funding from research council sources and working with industry on a wide range of national and international projects.
The researcher will be positioned within the Kemp Nano Electronics group (https://kempnanogroup.com/), which is focussed on investigating new phenomena in nanophysics and electronics for real-word device applications. Our areas of interest include optically tuneable memristors for photonic computing and new artificial intelligence technologies, molecular spintronics and nanoscale engineering of novel device structures for plasmonics and biosensor applications. This group is part of the Experimental Condensed Matter and Nanoscience research grouping.
You will have a PhD in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering, or be close to completion, and will have experience with sophisticated vacuum deposition systems including DC pulse and RF magnetron sputtering, use of gas cluster sources for nanoparticle deposition and electron gun evaporator. Knowledge of cleanroom methods, device fabrication and electronic device characterization techniques is desirable.
This role is full time, offered on a fixed term appointment until 31 July 2028, available to start as soon as possible.
As part of our commitment to improving equality, diversity, and inclusion within the school, shortlisted candidates will be given the opportunity to talk to a member of staff representing women, racially minoritized people, LGBTQIA+, or disability communities. This will be separate from the assessment process and will play no role in the decision to appoint.
Informal enquiries can be made to Neil Kemp Neil.Kemp@nottingham.ac.uk Please note applications sent to this address will not be accepted.
Please click apply now and upload a copy of you CV if you are interested about this post.
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