A position exists for a Research Assistant/Associate in Magnetic Materials Synthesis and Characterisation

This role is within the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, focusing on a multidisciplinary research programme developing protein-guided, droplet-based routes to architected functional materials. This project is funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), subject to contract negotiations.

Location

The post holder will be located at the main Engineering Site in central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK, with work also regularly required at the University West Cambridge site.

Project Focus

The project, collaborating across seven research groups, is studying:

(i) how to create rare-earth free magnetic materials at scale and in useful formats
(ii) how to create advanced, nanoporous electrodes for high capacity, long-life battery technologies

Responsibilities

The appointee will take substantial responsibility within a team focussed on the materials characterisation aspects of the project. In particular, the role will be responsible for:

Establishing rapid screening and definitive characterisation of magnetic materials.
Relating XRD-verified phase and structural order to hysteresis, coercivity, remanence, squareness and BHmax.
Maintaining shared sample identities and reproducible datasets.
Contributing to publications, presentations, development of experimental protocols and specification of standard operating procedures.
Communicating effectively both within and without a project team.

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

Demonstrable experience of performing materials property characterisation of magnetic, superconducting or electrical materials.
Familiarity with experimental design.
A practical understanding of materials synthesis and how characterisation can advance materials processing and synthesis.

Desirable Experience

Experience with magnetic characterisation techniques.
Experience with XRD, particle analysis, or anisotropic composites.
Experience of hands-on materials synthesis.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering or a cognate discipline.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience). Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary Ranges

Research Assistant: 33,002 - 35,608
Research Associate: 37,694 - 46,049

Duration

Fixed-term: The funding is for 18 months or through until 31st December 2027, whichever of these comes soonest.

Application Process

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button below.
Ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publication list in the Upload section of the online application.
Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact:

Prof. John Durrell (jhd25@cam.ac.uk)
Holly Shaw (has50@cam.ac.uk)

Job Reference

Please quote reference NM51165 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

University Policies

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.

Advert Information

Reference: NM51165
Category: Research
Published: 23 September 2026
Closing date: 8 October 2026