Postdoctoral Research Assistant in High Entropy Ceramics

Department: School of Engineering & Materials Science
Salary: £36,572 – £44,722 per annum (Grade 4)
Reference: 1107
Location: Mile End
Date posted: 2 February 2024
Closing date: 29 February 2024

Further details and apply

Overview

About the Role

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate/Assistant to work on the EPSRC funded project – Multifunctional High Entropy Carbide and Boride Ceramic Composites: Compositional Space, Novel Synthesis, and Property Tailoring, in the research group of Prof Mike Reece. 

The use of five or more elements in equimolar proportions leads to interesting new effects in ceramics. Through the increase in their configurational entropy, it is possible to produce new stable materials, opening up a very large new compositional space where interesting and useful materials might be discovered. The random mixing of multiple elements can have a significant effect on their structural and functional properties, and through synergistic effects their properties can exceed the rule of mixture for their simple mono compounds. The project provides the opportunity to do original research in this rapidly emerging field.

We are investigating the processing and characterization of high entropy ultra-high temperature ceramics, thermoelectrics and ferroelectrics/dielectrics. In this project you will focus on the synthesis of novel high entropy carbides and diborides. These materials have very high melting points (>3000C) and high mechanical hardness and corrosion resistance. This makes them potentially useful for a wide range of applications in extreme environments, including cutting tools and hydrogen gas burners, etc. This project will focus on the discovery of new materials with good properties and then developing processing routes to optimize their mechanical properties. The project involves collaboration with Prof Shaowei Zhang’s group at Exeter University. 

About You

Applicants should hold a PhD or have submitted a thesis prior to taking up the appointment, or equivalent research experience. Desirably to have knowledge and experience in the processing and characterisation of ceramics. The post is also suitable for a highly motivated physicist or chemist with an interest to develop knowledge and expertise in ceramics. A strong work ethic combined with a demonstrated ability to generate innovative research solutions is desired.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Further details and apply