Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of further extension. The post should start as soon as possible.
This position is for a post-doctoral Research Assistant/Associate to work in Professor Judith Driscoll's research group - The position is to work on the ERC Advanced Grant, EROS:, and the UKRI funded Innovation and Knowledge Centre, NeurowWare grant, on Neuromorphic Computing Hardware.
The candidate will be expected to undertake research in the area of practical and reliable oxide thin film materials which switching effects, aimed at either non-volatile memory or neuromorphic computing or both. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake experimental research in a team environment, working under the supervision of Prof Driscoll. The candidate will undertake thin film growth by pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition and/or sputtering, and will undertake materials characterisation by a wide range of methods (e. g. X-ray, XPS, AFM), and will undertake electrical device fabrication and testing. The candidate needs to be highly self-motivated and ambitious with demonstrated independence of research with solid experience in the aforementioned methods.
Other responsibilities include: Liaising with colleagues from different disciplines, both in the UK and abroad, work with researchers in the other departments both within Cambridge and outside on device fabrication and characterisation, collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines both inside and outside the University, both in the UK and abroad, co-ordinating activities with industry partners, as appropriate, analysing and interpreting the results of own research and generating original ideas based on outcomes, designing and conducing a coherent set of experiments and record their outcome, conducting literature and database searches, writing up results of own research, assisting in the organisation of conferences or other meetings, whether they be online or in-person, leading and contributing to the production of research reports and publications, presenting information on research progress and outcomes to internal and external contacts, both academic and industrial.
Experience Criteria: Applicants should have or about to obtain a PhD in a materials science or a closely related subject with experience as outlined above. Effective written communication skills and the ability to plan and organise independently are essential.
Successful candidates who have not yet received their PhD will be employed on University Grade 5 SP038 as Research Assistants. Upon being awarded their PhD, their salary will be upgraded to Grade 7 041 as Research Associates.
For a full list of criteria please refer to the linked Further Particulars.
We encourage early applications. The University may close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date if necessary to support the recruitment process.
Documents in support of applications should include a CV and research statement.
Enquiries regarding the application process may be directed to Judith Driscoll, email
Please quote reference LJ48836 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.
Key information
Department/location
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
Salary
£33,002-£46,049
Reference
LJ48836
Category
Academic-related
Date published
13 February 2026
Closing date
27 February 2026