Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

A Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available in the Department of Chemistry of the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). The researcher will be working under the supervision of Prof. Matteo Palma (QMUL): see We have developed different nanohybrids platforms interfacing low dimensional materials to DNA, and employed such heterostructures for sensing and optoelectronic applications . We now want to refine strategies that employ DNA nanotechnology to control the formation of 2D materials-based heterostructures , where the 2D nanosheets will act as transducers for electrical sensing applications. This will generate a knowledge-based platform to allow us to rationally engineer 2D nanomaterial-nucleic acid hybrids for optimal device bio- and gas sensing, as well as for optoelectronic applications.

About You

The candidate will have experience in materials science research and ideally DNA nanotechnology and electrical sensing investigations (with 2D nanostructures), with an established track record of success in high-quality original research. Applicants should have a solid grounding in different aspects of materials science and engineering research, from basic wet-chemistry skills, to experience with electrical measurements, and ideal with DNA nanostructures and scanning probe microscopy. During the project, the PDRA will have the opportunity to develop their supervision, writing, communication and organisational skills.

Contract Type : Fixed Term; Duration : 29 months; Working Patterns : Full Time; Salary Range : £38,419 -- £44,288 per annum.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

Access to fume-hoods and appropriate bench space as well as all the standard (bio)chemistry and electrical measurement equipment will be available in the state-of-the-art Joseph Priestley Chemistry building and the G.O. Jones Physics building. In addition, the Palma laboratory hosts a Scanning Probe Microscopy set-up (Bruker dimension icon), and has further access at QMUL to SEM and TEM.

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability.