Research Associate in Low Temperature Plasma Science

Role Description

School

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. 

This post will complement the rapidly growing activities of the Low Temperature Plasma Science group within the York Plasma Institute (YPI). The YPI addresses a portfolio of plasma research from fundamental to applied across three research strands: Low Temperature Plasmas, Matter at the Extremes and Magnetic Confinement Fusion.

Role

We are seeking to appoint a post-doctoral research associate for a 36-month EPSRC project to develop a novel cold plasma-based approach for gel synthesis. Gels are incredibly versatile materials, found in everyday items from food to personal care products. This project will establish a new approach for soft matter synthesis through the development of advanced plasma sources and the application of sophisticated plasma diagnostic techniques. You will work collaboratively to develop a plasma-driven gel synthesis approach, uncover the underpinning physicochemical pathways, and explore the diverse application space of the functional gels created.

The post-holder will advance the understanding of low temperature plasma and its interaction with soft matter. With a background in experimental plasma science and specific expertise in the development of plasma generating hardware and advanced optical diagnostic techniques to characterise atmospheric pressure plasmas. Close working with external collaborators spanning the fields of chemistry and computational plasma physics will be essential.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have:

• A PhD in Low Temperature Plasma Science or equivalent experience
• Knowledge in Low Temperature Plasma Science with a record of high-quality research outputs
• Detailed knowledge of plasma diagnostic techniques used for atmospheric pressure plasmas
• Detailed knowledge of high voltage electronics used for the generation of plasma
• Expertise in one or more of the following techniques: Laser Induced Fluorescence, Laser scattering, UV/IR absorption, or Optical Emission Spectroscopy
• Hands-on experience developing and operating atmospheric pressure plasma sources
• Hands-on experience applying diagnostic techniques to characterise low-temperature plasma.

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof. James Walsh on James.L.Walsh@York.ac.uk or contact Dr Kate Lancaster on kate.lancaster@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