Research Fellow in Coherent Diffraction Imaging

The role is focussed on utilising Bragg coherent x-ray diffractive imaging (BCXDI) to image time-varying correlated phenomena in a range of multifunctional materials. Multifunctional materials that simultaneously exhibit more than one ferroic property including ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, ferroelasticity or ferrotoroidicity are of great interest because the different properties may work together in different ways and lead to exciting new potential applications, if we could understand this better. For example, the coupling between magnetic and ferroelectric ordering can be utilised to develop low power magnetoelectronic devices (such as non-volatile magnetic computer memory) where the spin polarised transport of electrons can be used to flip magnetic memory bits. As a result there is a vibrant effort to understand the underlying mechanisms at work in bulk and nanoscale materials.

BCXDI is a lensless far-field imaging technique that allows three-dimensional imaging of nanometre scale crystalline materials with a sensitivity below a single angstrom. The application of BCXDI to the study of multifunctional materials will enable a wide range of next generation technologies that otherwise are inaccessible due to an incomplete understanding of their properties.

This project is a collaboration between the Diamond Light Source, the European XFEL and the University of Southampton.

To be successful, you will have a PhD* (or equivalent professional qualifications and experience) in Physics, Materials Science, Optoelectronics, Engineering or a related field. You will also have an excellent publication record and relevant experience in x-ray diffraction imaging. Knowledge of phase transitions in quantum materials and BCXDI phase reconstruction algorithms would be highly advantageous.

This role is full time fixed term for two years.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in Physics and Astronomy. We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population, and in recognition we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2018 and the Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status in 2019. Physics and Astronomy gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time, and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy** and onsite childcare facilities. For further information please visit https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/EqualityandDiversity

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK's research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.

**subject to qualifying criteria

*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.