Research Associate

Role Description

Department

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan silver awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work. 

You will join the Spin Dynamics Group at the University of York, a world-leading team specializing in the atomistic modelling of magnetic materials and spintronic devices. As part of the EPSRC-funded DREAMS project, you will work at the forefront of ultrafast magnetism, developing advanced atomistic models and using the open-source VAMPIRE software package to simulate deterministic all-optical switching in next-generation data storage materials. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a multi-institution consortium including the University of Exeter, Queen’s University Belfast, and Seagate Technology to bridge the gap between fundamental spin transport theory and industrial recording technology.

Role

As a key researcher on the EPSRC-funded DREAMS project, you will drive the theoretical understanding of ultrafast magnetism by developing and applying advanced atomistic models using the VAMPIRE software package. Your primary focus will be simulating deterministic all-optical switching (AOS) in high-coercivity FeCoPt structures to assess their viability for next-generation hard disk recording media. To achieve this, you will push the boundaries of current computational spintronics by extending existing theoretical spin models to capture complex ultrafast optical excitation phenomena including non-thermal electrons, transient thermal gradients, and diffusive spin and orbital currents. You will then implement these cutting-edge physical models into the open-source VAMPIRE codebase using modern, high-performance C++.

Collaboration and communication are at the heart of this role. You will work in close partnership with world-leading experimentalists at the University of Exeter, Queen’s University Belfast, and our industrial partner, Seagate Technology. Together, you will parameterize your models, validate theoretical spin transport descriptions against time-resolved optical measurements, and actively guide the optimization of multi-layered material stacks. Beyond the core research, you will take ownership of disseminating your findings through high-profile journal publications and presentations at major international conferences, such as UMC, MMM, or INTERMAG. We are seeking a proactive and collaborative scientist who will not only deliver exceptional computational research, but also actively enrich our group's culture by mentoring students, helping to shape future collaborative grant proposals, and fostering a truly inclusive environment where every team member can flourish.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

Qualifications and Knowledge

• You must hold an undergraduate degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, or a quantitative Science, alongside a PhD in computational magnetism or equivalent research experience.
• Essential knowledge includes a deep understanding of computational magnetism to engage in high-quality research and a mastery of a range of research techniques and methodologies.
• Your specific research expertise should complement and enhance the department's broader research strategy and goals.

Skills and Competencies

• You will possess highly developed communication skills, enabling you to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences through oral presentations, written work, and various media.
• It is essential that you have the ability to write up research for publication in high-profile journals and the competency to present your findings at international conferences or exhibitions.
• You must be capable of conducting both individual and collaborative research projects, developing your own research objectives and proposals (with mentoring if required), and identifying potential sources of funding.

Experience and Personal Attributes

• You should have a proven track record of carrying out independent and collaborative research and experience in writing up that work for publication.
• The role requires an individual who can work effectively as part of a team while also using their own initiative to drive projects forward.
• Key personal attributes include a commitment to high quality and attention to detail, a collaborative ethos, and genuine enthusiasm for the project's subject matter.
• You must demonstrate a positive attitude toward colleagues and students, a willingness to work proactively across different institutions, and the ability to plan and prioritize your workload to meet deadlines.
• A strong commitment to personal development and the updating of your professional knowledge and skills is also essential.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Dr Richard Evans at richard.evans@york.ac.uk or PET-HR at pet-hr@york.ac.uk.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.