Ref Number
B04-07729
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
UCL BEAMS (B04)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£43,981-£54,019
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
On site
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
31-Aug-2026
The London Centre for Nanotechnology is a UK-based multidisciplinary enterprise operating at the forefront of science and technology. Our purpose is to solve global problems in information processing, healthcare, energy and the environment through the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Founded in 2003, the LCN began as a joint venture between University College London and Imperial College London, based at the Bloomsbury and South Kensington sites; from 2018 King's College London joined the collaboration from its base on The Strand. The LCN occupies a purpose-built eight storey facility in Gordon Street, Bloomsbury (opened in 2006) as well as extensive facilities within different departments at South Kensington and The Strand. The Centre’s experimental research is supported by leading-edge modelling, visualisation and theory through its access to state-of-the-art clean-room, characterisation, fabrication, manipulation and design laboratories.
Magnetic orders at the monolayer limit in van der Waals materials were discovered in 2017 and have been studied extensively since. However, their inherent dynamic responses, lying in the GHz (and even THz) frequency range, have been largely unexplored at the two dimensional (2D) limit. This presents a number of unanswered fundamental questions on crucial aspects of 2D magnetism, such as magnetic anisotropies, spin relaxation/fluctuation and impact from chemical/mechanical stability. This proposed project aims to develop sensitive probes for spin dynamics at the monolayer limit, following the novel approach of using superconducting micro-resonators. The functionality of these micro-resonators to study spin dynamics has already been established in proof-of-concept studies by the applicants, whilst their small mode volume is ideally suited to study 2D magnetism in vdW materials.
This post is funded by a new Leverhulme Trust grant on spin dynamics at the 2D limit in collaboration with Prof. John Morton’s quantum spin dynamics group at UCL. The postholder will exfoliate and transfer 2D van der Waals magnetic flakes on purpose-built superconducting resonators to achieve strong photon-magnon coupling, through which dynamical responses of the monolayer flakes are measured at cryogenic temperatures. We will perform spectral analysis of the hybrid states and extract the device and material parameters to develop a working model to explain magnetism at the 2D limit. The postholder will be strongly encouraged to take the lead in writing up manuscripts for journal publication as well as participating scientific conferences for dissemination.
This position is fixed term for 6 months, with the possibility of extension
The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated researcher with hands-on experience in GHz spin dynamics and magneto-optical measurement techniques. They will possess a strong understanding of magnetism, spin transport, and spin dynamics, supported by a proven publication record in magnetism and spintronics. The successful candidate will be able to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively and demonstrate excellent written and verbal English skills, enabling productive collaboration and dissemination of research findings.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality/
