Research Associate in Perovskite Photonic Devices

We seek a Physicist / Physical Chemist / Materials Scientist with expertise in the fabrication and optimisation of perovskite light emitting diodes (LEDs). This project is funded by the Leverhulme Foundation and is fundamental in nature. The aim of the research is to develop optical structures based on perovskite materials that are able to undergo optical amplification, and lasing. In particular, we wish to develop devices that (i) realise electrically-pumped condensation and optical gain in perovskite microcavities, and (ii) to generate optical-solitons (non-dispersive wavepackets) in perovskite waveguides and ring resonators, using laser excitation.

Your role will be to synthesize and characterise high quality 2D and 3D perovskite thin films – for example CsPbBr3 or PEA2PbI4, which you will engineer into light-emitting resonant cavity diode (RCLED) devices. You will characterise the optical properties of structures you make using CW spectroscopy, with emission also measured following electrical excitation. In a parallel strand, you will also use nanopatterning and other lithography techniques to fabricate optical waveguide structures in perovskite thin films. Experience in the development of perovskite light emitting devices is therefore critical for this role. You will collaborate very closely with a second postdoctoral researcher who will perform ultra-fast spectroscopic measurements on the materials, devices and photonic structures that you will develop.

The project is run by Prof David Lidzey, and involves both inorganic and organic ultra-fast spectroscopists (Prof Dima Krizhanovskii and Prof Jenny Clark), and materials chemist Dr Alex Ramadan. Experience in the fabrication and testing of ultra-high brightness perovskite LEDs will be critical for this role. You will need to be able to synthesise the perovskite materials you make and then characterise their structural and optoelectronic properties. Experience of the development of photonic devices, optical-gratings and photonic-waveguides, or optical modelling approaches using transfer matrix models or FTDT approaches is also desirable.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design, develop and refine experiments in order to obtain reliable data.
• Carry out experimental research, including the use of chemicals and solvents.
• Fabricate and characterise 2D and 3D perovskite films using structural and optical tools.
• Fabricate high-brightness resonant cavity light emitting diodes and characterise their emission.
• Develop processes to perform micro and nanolithography of perovskite thin films, and characterise the structure of the patterned photonic devices.
• Prepare papers for journals/presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Write progress reports and present work at project meetings.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• Plan for specific aspects of research programmes.
• If given a particular hypothesis to examine, plan for your own contribution up to 3 months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims. Design individual experiments weekly.
• Interact effectively with other members of the project team, sharing data and expertise and working together to reach project objectives.
• Supervise research team/activities if required.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning is required to accommodate new developments.
• Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria | Essential or Desirable | Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD or equivalent experience in physical science or engineering | Essential | Application

Experience in the synthesis and deposition of perovskite and organic films using both solution and thermal evaporation techniques. | Essential | Application/Interview

Experience in the development and optimisation of high brightness perovskite light emitting diodes. | Essential | Application/Interview

Experience in testing and characterising light emitting devices | Essential | Application/Interview

Effective communication skills (including writing papers and making oral presentations at scientific meetings). | Essential | Application/Interview

Ability to communicate ideas effectively to other researchers. | Essential | Application/Interview

Ability to work effectively within a team | Essential | Interview

Ability to develop creative approaches to problem-solving | Essential | Interview

Ability to analyse and solve problems | Essential | Interview

Experience in micro or nanopatterning of thin films | Desirable | Application/Interview

Experience the fabrication of microcavity devices | Desirable | Application/Interview

Experience in optical modelling via transfer matrix models or FTDT models | Desirable | Interview

Experience in the maintenance of lab equipment | Desirable | Interview

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £39,560 - £41,885

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: 24 months

Line manager: Prof D G Lidzey

Direct reports: n/a

Our website: epmm.sites.sheffield.ac.uk

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Prof David G. Lidzey: d.g.lidzey@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2026. This will consist of an interview and a short presentation on your current or recent research. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mps-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• support for those going through the menopause
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).