Job description
This position is Full Time, Fixed Term.
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in magnetic microscopy to work on “Thermally-driven motion of spin textures” within the Future Leader Fellowship project lead by Dr Naëmi Leo. This project uses the novel localised plasmonic heaters to create fast, efficient, and versatile reconfigurable thermal landscapes controlled by light polarisation, power and illumination patterns (, By creating hybrid devices combining the optical control of thermal gradients with magnetic materials, the post holder is expected to quantify thermal motion of spin textures to deepen our understanding of the underlying driving processes.
The project will be undertaken in the physics department at Loughborough University and involves collaborations with internal colleagues and facilities, as well as with national and international project partners such as EXTREMAG (UK) and Durham University (UK). This project involves using novel hybrid magneto-thermoplasmonic devices to generate thermal gradients under different optical illumination conditions for the controlled motion of spin textures, including domain walls and Skyrmions.
As such, the successful candidate should enjoy challenging hands-on experimental work in the laboratory, with experience in magnetic microscopy via MOKE magnetometry and/or synchrotron x-ray methods, as well as post-experiment image analysis, as evidenced by strong publications. The successful candidate should have completed or be about to obtain a PhD in physics or material science within the field of magnetism or spintronics. Further desirable experience and skills include solid competency in programming ( Python, Matlab, C++, etc) for data analysis and control of experimental setups, experience in micromagnetic or multiphysics simulations, and knowledge of various structural and magnetic characterisation techniques and instrumentation (such as nanolithography, magneto-transport, MOKE, AFM, XRD).
The successful candidate should have good interpersonal skills and clear oral and written communication, be able to carry out independent research activities within an international team, and to be willing to travel nationally and internationally to visit collaborators and attend scientific conferences.
The post is for a minimum of 24 months (with a possible extension dependent upon performance and available funding). We aspire providing bespoke support to physicists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive environment that fosters excellence for all researchers.