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Research Fellow in the Magnetic Resonance and Quantum Mechanics of Endofullerenes

Magnetic Resonance

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £30,395 to £37,345 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term (until the 30/04/2020)
Closing Date:  Friday 22 March 2019
Interview Date:   Monday 08 April 2019
Reference:  1112819EB

Applications are invited for a Research Fellowship in endofullerene science in the research group of Prof Malcolm H Levitt. The project involves the study of endofullerenes by multiple spectroscopic techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and neutron scattering. The postdoctoral research fellow will be part of an international team which performs NMR and other spectroscopic experiments on endofullerenes, and interprets the results using quantum mechanical theories of confined atoms and molecules.

Endofullerenes are fascinating materials in which single atoms or molecules are encapsulated in closed, symmetrical, cages of carbon atoms. The encapsulated atoms or molecules behave as "particles in a box" and exhibit numerous physical effects associated with spatial and spin quantization (see, for example http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nchem.2563 and references therein). Applications of these unique materials are anticipated in many scientific areas, including hyperpolarized NMR, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microwave amplification, and quantum computing.

The candidate must have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in either Physics or Chemistry or a related field. An understanding and practical experience of NMR or EPR spectroscopy is essential. Experience of Mathematica or Matlab software is essential.

Experience of advanced NMR experiments and experience of working with cryogenic equipment (especially cryogenic NMR experiments), Knowledge of the quantum mechanics of confined atoms and molecules, and of the quantum mechanics of rotating molecules, experience of SpinDynamica software and experience of neutron scattering and/or hyperpolarized NMR experiments is desirable but not essential. The candidate must be prepared to spend a small fraction of the time helping supervise student research. 

The endofullerene materials will be provided by stable and long-term collaborations; the candidate will not be required to perform chemical synthesis. 

The successful candidate will be part of the Magnetic Resonance Section at the Department of Chemistry of Southampton University. The Section has a well-equipped NMR facility including one 700MHz, three 600MHz, one 500MHz, two 400 MHz and a 300 MHz spectrometers. A variety of probes allow liquid-state and solid-state experiments as well as micro-imaging and cryogenic experiments. The section offers wide expertise that spans from theory of spin dynamics to NMR methodology in solid and liquid state, microfluidics NMR, biomolecular NMR in liquid and solid state and NMR at cryogenic temperatures. An in-house mechanical workshop service is available.

Informal enquiries should be made to Prof Malcolm H Levitt (mhl@soton.ac.uk), University of Southampton.

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality.  The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance.  Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness.  Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.

 Further details can be found at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/chemistry/about/Equality/index1.page

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.

Application procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Elsa Samwell (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2507.  Please quote reference 1112819EB on all correspondence.

Athena SWAN Silver Award holder: Chemistry

Further details:

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial backgrounds, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity. 

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated on the job. 


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