Research Assistant in Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy Luminescence

Overview

We seek a highly motivated researcher for a 6‑month Research Assistant position funded by the EPSRC award “Shining light on single molecule dynamics: photon by photon” (grant reference EP/X031934/1, PI: Dr Kristina Rusimova). The role is based at the University of Bath and will begin in September2026, ending March2027. This full‑time, fixed‑term role (36.5 hours per week) offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in single‑molecule spectroscopy, scientific instrumentation and laboratory automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a state‑of‑the‑art scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) luminescence system capable of single‑photon counting and photon correlation measurements.
• Design, optimise and maintain the optical detection setup for room‑temperature ultrahigh‑vacuum STM experiments to investigate temporal behaviour of molecular emitters and hot‑electron‑driven processes at the single‑molecule level.
• Develop and maintain automated experimental workflows, hardware control and data acquisition pipelines using Python.
• Integrate new tools into the existing laboratory automation framework to enable reliable, high‑throughput measurements.
• Analyse experimental data, publish findings in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.
• Collaborate closely with project partners and research group members, contributing to a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.
• Support the supervision of postgraduate researchers and develop as an independent experimental researcher.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience in experimental scanning probe microscopy, including room‑temperature single‑molecule manipulation and spectroscopy.
• Excellent laboratory skills and a strong understanding of the underlying physical principles.
• Demonstrable experience in scientific programming with Python, including laboratory automation, instrument control, data acquisition and reproducible data analysis workflows.
• Experience with version control (e.g. Git) and scientific software development is advantageous.
• Knowledge of ultrahigh‑vacuum systems, STM‐induced luminescence or single‑photon detection is advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Enthusiasm for developing new experimental techniques.

Position Details

• Full time: 36.5 hours per week.
• Fixed‑term: September2026 to March2027.
• Minimum 10 days of professional development per year pro‑rata.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance plus 5 discretionary days.
• Employer contributory pension scheme.
• Cycle‑to‑work and electric vehicle salary‑sacrifice schemes.
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
• Discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses.
• Access to professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships and LinkedIn Learning.
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
• Family‑friendly workplace and relocation allowance.
• Visa reimbursement and interest‑free loan options.
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including the Wisdom app.

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