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Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy

The above full-time post is immediately available in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy

We are a vibrant academic community dedicated to delivering world-class teaching and research. We undertake discovery research across a broad range of physics, and by applying these discoveries we create novel technologies that help create a sustainable and healthy society. In tandem we deliver skills-based, research-led teaching programmes with excellent student satisfaction.

The role

The main purpose of the role will be to fulfil research, teaching and administration duties and to play a significant role in enhancing the national and international profile of our research themes (health, sustainability and artificial intelligence), our research centres (Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation (CMRI), Graphene Centre), and to develop new and existing taught programmes.

This includes

• attracting and supervising exceptional postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate research students,
• seeking out and engaging with industry and governmental partners, contributing towards the winning of significant research income,
• contributing to the leadership of our department and research centres, and
• undertaking elements of the day-to-day running of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• To collaborate with colleagues both within our research centres and the Department of Physics & Astronomy, the Faculty and the University of Exeter as a whole in order to develop and support research programmes.
• To contribute to the general operation of the Department of Physics & Astronomy, and the Faculty as a member of its academic team.

Candidates will be skilled and experienced in at least one of the following: material theory, modelling and design (including machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques), fabrication and manufacture, and/or experimental characterisation and technology translation. Relevant domains include (but are not limited to) acoustics, phononics, fluidics, quantum, RF/microwave, visible, infra-red and terahertz photonics and mechanical materials, which might include biomaterials, magnetic materials, metamaterials, nanocomposites, 2D materials etc. The ideal candidate will have a track record of engaging in research with industry, government or other end-users, and appreciate the relevance of materials research to technologies ranging from imaging and displays, security, defence, communication, energy, displays, health, built environment, transport etc.

A primary component of this role will be to develop a taught programme for post-graduate students in advanced materials physics or a similar scope. This will include delivery of modules and project work which would be available to undergraduate students in physics and the wider departments of the faculty.

About you

The successful applicant will have an independent, internationally-recognised research programme in an active field of materials research related or complementary to existing Exeter strengths and linking to our research themes. They will be able to demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:

• A PhD or equivalent in Physics or other relevant subject and have an excellent track record of REF 3* and above research in a relevant field (including peer-reviewed publications in recognised journals, and presentations at prestigious international conferences);
• Success in significant grant capture from different sources (UKRI, industry, Government).
• An active approach to inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research;
• Enthusiasm for delivering high quality undergraduate programmes;
• Enthusiasm to engage with end users from industry and Government regarding research direction and priorities, and to deliver projects that develop impact;
• A track record of successful research-student supervision.
• A strong potential for academic leadership, including developing the future strategy for research and innovation;
• A good track record of working with and managing research and impact projects with external organisations and end-users users, and knowledge and experience of key sectors or business challenges;

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities released by Shanghai Rankings).

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We are using the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future. Our shared purpose and vision continually moves us forward to make a difference to our people, our communities, our partners and the world around us. Read about our world leading research on Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the post please contact Prof. Alastair Hibbins ([email protected]), or Prof Tim Harries, Head of Physics & Astronomy ([email protected]).