The Programme aims to deliver a step-change in the understanding and control of electrochemical growth of functional TMDC semiconductors, combining precursor design and synthesis, electrochemistry, theory, advanced characterisation and device integration. In addition to the essential disciplinary research skills, candidates should demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for collaborative working, the ability to communicate effectively across disciplines, and well-developed organisational skills.

This position is primarily concerned with the electrodeposition of transition metal dichalcogenides. The successful candidate will work within the electrochemistry team led by Phil Bartlett in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton, and will be required to be flexible and interact effectively with colleagues across the wider EXPRESS consortium to fulfil the scientific goals of the Programme. 

The position is offered until 05/07/2028 in the first instance, with the possibility of extension for up to 3 further years.

Please upload a CV and cover letter, detailing how you skills and experience match the requirements of the role, with your application.

Closing Date: 29 May 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £36,636 to £41,064 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 05/07/2028

This postdoctoral fellowship is part of the EXPRESS (Exploiting Single Source Precursors for the Electrochemical Growth of Functional 1D and 2D Metal Dichalcogenide Semiconductors) Programme Grant recently announced by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). EXPRESS is a large (£10M) flagship, interdisciplinary research programme over 5-years. It is led jointly by the Universities of Southampton and Warwick, alongside several international and industrial partners, and brings together internationally leading teams from across chemistry, physics and electronic engineering. It aims to deliver a step-change in the understanding and control of electrochemical growth of high-quality mono/few-layer functional transition metal dichalcogenides TMDCs, combining precursor design and synthesis, electrochemistry, solution and surface computation, advanced characterisation and device integration. In addition to the essential disciplinary research skills, candidates should demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for collaborative working, the ability to communicate effectively across disciplines, and well-developed organisational skills.

In this role your primary focus will be the synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterisation of a range of new molecular complexes that contain the pre-assembled metal dichalcogenide (ME₂) building block that forms the target TMDC. You will work in close collaboration with the electrochemistry experts who will investigate their effectiveness as single source precursors for the electrodeposition range of high quality semi-conducting and semi-metallic TMDCs. You will be required to be flexible and interact effectively with colleagues across the wider EXPRESS consortium to fulfil the scientific goals of the Programme.

The position is offered for 24 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension for up to 3 further years.

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Closing Date: 28 May 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £36,636 to £41,064 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 24 months