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We are looking for a talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team to help us fulfil the project’s goals, producing research of the highest standard.

Research Fellow in Luminescent Solar Concentrators for Horticulture Applications

| UCL

Location: London

Salary: £42,099–£50,585

Full Time: Fixed Term

Closing Date: 23-Sept-2024

Job Description

About us

The photonic innovations lab (pi-lab) at UCL’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering invites applications for one (1) postdoctoral research position in novel luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) technologies to improve plant growth.

The research project has three main aims:

(1) It aims to develop the next generation of luminescent solar concentrator designs that boost light in the wavelengths plants use for photosynthesis.

(2) It aims to scale-up the technology and test it in the field.

(3) It aims to protect the developed IP and explore possible commercialization routes for the technology.

About the role

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team to help us fulfil the project’s goals, producing research of the highest standard.  The work will specifically involve the modelling, fabrication and characterization of photonic structures (microlenses, gratings, micromirrors, light extraction features) that can assist in light escaping from an LSC. Moreover, the work will involve fabricating proof-of-concept devices and scaling up the most promising designs and testing them under real conditions. An important part of the work will be publishing high quality research papers in high-profile journals and conferences and pursuing IP protection. The successful candidate will work within an established research team led by Prof. Ioannis Papakonstantinou.

The post is available from  November 2024 (or as soon as the candidate can start) for 12 months in the first instance. Further funding to support the post may be available.

About you

Applicants should have a PhD degree (or about to submit) in one of the following areas: Luminescent Solar Concentrators, optical component modelling and fabrication, light scattering from nanoparticles, light technologies in horticulture or similar. Knowledge of ray tracing methods for optical component design is essential, as well as knowledge of LSC and optical component fabrication. Applicants should have skills in the design and optimisation of optical components using Monte-Carlo statistical ray tracing methods, as well as the fabrication of optical components with direct laser writing, 2-photon polymerisation, nanoimprint lithography, soft lithography or similar methods.

Knowledge of plant growth under different lighting conditions and experience with assessing plant growth in greenhouse environments are desirable.

If the successful candidate has not yet been awarded their PhD, appointment will be made as a Research Assistant (Grade 6B). Payment at Grade 7 will be backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis including corrections, once the PhD has been awarded. Research Assistant (Grade 6B): point 25-28. Salary range £37,332 to £39,980 (inc. London Allowance of £5,000 pa).

Application details:

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

  • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
  • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
  • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
  • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
  • Immigration loan
  • Relocation scheme for certain posts
  • On-Site nursery
  • On-site gym
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
  • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
  • Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

How To Apply

To apply, please follow the link below. Good Luck!

To apply for this job please visit www.ucl.ac.uk.