The iCCD Lab (https://www.iccd-lab.com/) headed by Raj Pandya at the University Warwick, seeks an outstanding postdoctoral researcher for a new project as part of an ERC-Starting Grant Project (FemtoCharge). The project centres around the development and application of novel ultrafast microscopy tools for tracking coupled charge dynamics (ions/electrons) in energy storage and conversion materials (batteries/electrocatalysts). Funding is available for 2.5 years to start from October 2025 (or earlier by discussion).
The work will focus on building a new microscope to drive and probe ultrafast ion and electron motion in battery/catalyst materials, as well as probe the stochastic nature of the process. While the project will mostly centre around novel visible/THz ultrafast method development, application of the methods will be at the forefront of the research. And strong collaboration is in place with materials chemists (to produce samples in suitable forms for investigation) and theory groups to support analysis.
The project is ideal both for someone about to finish their PhD in ultrafast optics (or similar related fields) or someone who has gained some experience in ultrafast methods in a first postdoc and is seeking an ambitious second postdoc. There is a large amount of autonomy and room to spearhead a new field in probing ultrafast dynamics in ‘non-light driven systems’, which have typically remained beyond reach.
We offer state-of-the-art lab facilities (150 m2>) with several femtosecond lasers, optical parametric amplifiers, spatial light modulators, high-speed cameras, microscopy equipment, etc. You will receive plenty of support to lead publications, supervise students and write fellowship applications. There is also room to get involved with work at X-ray and THz free-electron laser facilities that the group regularly visits. Our group currently has 4 PhD students and 3 postdoctoral researchers broadly working in ultrafast photonics. Work-life balance, inclusivity and diversity are at the core of our values, and your personal development will also be at the forefront of this postdoc.
Within Warwick University, we sit as part of the wider Ultrafast Photonics Group, split between the Chemistry and Physics Departments, and regularly work together, attending conferences and sharing group meetings.
About You
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ultrafast (non-linear) optics, with some experience in any of the following: high-power lasers, atto/femtosecond physics, non-linear parametric amplifiers, temporal/spatial pulse shaping, strong-field THz physics and far-field/near-field imaging. The project involves a large amount of novel setup construction and application, and some experience with instrumentation control and coding is also important. A high amount of support will be given, and you will be leading a sub-team of students working together on the microscope construction.
A background in electrochemical/energy materials is not required or expected, but an interest in these systems would be beneficial. We are looking for a team player and someone who is willing to grow with us. An interest in free-electron laser science and a good foundational background in condensed matter physics are bonuses.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow at the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure.
For further information regarding the skills required for this role, please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.
About the Department
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at Warwick is a thriving community of students, academics, researchers, and support staff.
Our fundamental research pushes boundaries in all major fields of Chemistry and Physics. Through collaborations with the wider science community and industry, our applied work aims to tackle huge global issues from antimicrobial resistance to solar energy harvesting and sustainable materials.
We provide an inclusive, vibrant and friendly environment where our students have dedicated support to explore their passion for chemistry.
Athena SWAN Silver Award
We are committed to supporting staff to achieve their potential. The University of Warwick holds an Athena SWAN silver award, a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia. We provide a welcoming and inclusive working and learning environment, recognising that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010. We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities.
About the University
Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK*, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’**.
You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real-world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed.
*QS World University Rankings 2024
** Research Excellence Framework 2021
To find out more about us, visit our website.
How to Apply
CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 27th May 2025 at 23:55 (BST)
To apply, please click ‘Apply’ below and submit an application form by the closing date.
Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application form past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 23:30).
You will have to attach a CV and a cover letter.
- Your CV should include your employment history (including your most recent employment), your educational history, and any other relevant experience.
- Your cover letter should explain your motivations for applying to the role. It should also explain, using examples, how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the Job Description PDF document below. Please note that all essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.
- Please provide details of two referees that may be contacted.
Please see here for guidance on writing a cover letter. We highly recommend using individual criteria as headers and explaining below, using examples, how you meet the criterion, though you are free to format the letter as you wish.
To streamline our hiring processes, we can only accept applications submitted via our official careers webpage, warwick-careers.tal.net.
- Interview Date: W/C 2nd June 2025
- Start Date: 1st October 2025
What We Offer
We will provide you with a great range of benefits, which include an attractive pension scheme, 30 days' holiday plus Christmas closure, excellent learning and development opportunities, and savings on a wide range of products and services. We offer a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, and onsite childcare facilities.
We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer you access to flexible working. For more information, click here.
We are proud to say that we are a Living Wage employer.
If you are considering relocating to the UK, read our Relocation Guide to find out more about what Warwick has to offer and what might be involved in the process.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Warwick is committed to building an organisation of mutual respect and dignity, promoting a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive working and learning environment. We recognise that everyone is different in a variety of visible and non-visible ways, and that those differences are to be recognised, respected, and valued. Where possible, we go beyond legislation to provide a place where everyone can thrive, supporting all staff to achieve their full potential. We aspire to remove economic, social, and cultural barriers that may otherwise prevent people from succeeding.
We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all communities regardless of culture, background, age, disability, sex/gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion/belief, or sexual or romantic orientation. To find out more about our social inclusion work at Warwick, visit our webpages here.
The University currently holds a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, Athena Swan Silver Award and a Disability Smart Bronze Award. Further information on all of the University's Awards and Accreditations can be found here. The University of Warwick is also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)
The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.
In line with the DBS Code of Practice, the successful candidates for any roles involving regulated activity will be subject to a DBS check at the appropriate level. The University will take all necessary measures to ensure that any individual subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group specified (i.e. children and/or adults).
We expect all employees, volunteers, and partners to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders
The University undertakes not to discriminate against anyone who makes a disclosure relating to a conviction. The information disclosed at the application stage is only visible to the central DBS team (i.e. not recruiting managers) to ensure there is no bias during the shortlisting process.
Job Description
JD Research Fellow (110455).pdf – 151KB Opens in a new window
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