Research Associate in Catalysis Plasmonics Job Type: Full-Time. Starting Salary: £49017.00 - £57472.00 per annum plus benefits To find out more about the job please click the ‘apply for job’ button to be taken to Imperial job site
About the role
Applications are invited for enthusiastic individuals with experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics, chemical physics and/or nanofabrication to join our research team in the Matter Community in the Department of Physics at Imperial.
You will be joining the Physics team study photocatalysis through the interactions of electron and phonons at the interface of molecules and plasmonic nanostructures. Techniques include stokes and anti-stokes Raman spectroscopy and thermometry as well as ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy. We work closely with the department of Materials at Imperial who provide density functional calculations at molecule-metal surfaces to provide electron and vibrational states.
What you would be doing
The successful candidate will be part of our Catalysis Plasmonics (CPLAS) research programme. CPLAS aims to transform the field of chemical catalysis by harnessing the reaction-promoting physics of hot electrons in metals with the chemistry of photo-catalysis. The transformative impact of this new field of plasmocatalysis will be in a significant reduction of energy requirements in key reactions in energy conversion, environmental protection, and pharmaceutical synthesis with exquisite control of reaction pathways via optical means. This interdisciplinary research programme combines the skills of physicists, materials scientists, and chemists from across Imperial College London, King's College London, and the UK Catalysis Hub including the Universities of Cardiff, Bath and Manchester
What we are looking for
* We are looking for someone to o carry out research on the Physics of Catalysis Plasmonics including experiments in microscopy, spectroscopy, and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy on metallic nanostructured devices.
* Develop and run optical experiments to study the interaction of electrons and phonon and molecule-metal interfaces
* To maintain and develop a research collaboration across the departments of Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science at Imperial, and with researchers at King's College London, Cardiff, Bath and Manchester.
* With evidence of outstanding promise and originality in research, demonstrated by a good publication record, commensurate with your career stage and experience of writing in research papers
* Experience in nanophotonics, plasmonics and/or metamaterials
* Knowledge of experimental methods in optics and research methods and statistical procedures
What we can offer you
The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
Grow your career: gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
More information about the Department of Physics, the Experimental Solid State Physics and the staff benefits that we offer can be found on our webpages.
This post is available for up to 24 months with an anticipated start date from October 2025.
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
Queries relating to the position should be directed Prof. Rupert Oulton ( ).
Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Juraci Didone, Section Administrator, email:
For technical issues when applying online, please contact:
Closing date: 03.09.2025 at 23:59 BST.
