Salary The starting salary will be from £42,632 on Grade F, depending on qualifications and experience. Contractual hours 36.5 Package Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable). Job category/type Research Date posted 08/01/2025 Job reference Q01534 Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy This new full time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 30 April 2027. The post The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the EPSRC Responsive mode EP/Y021339/1 grant title "Electric and optical manipulation of 2D excitons for room temperature polariton blockade and valley qubits" and join the group of Prof Misha Portnoi part of the Quantum Systems and Nanomaterials academic group lead by Prof Saverio Russo and principal investigator of the grant. The project aims at studying light interacting with 2D materials, and design novel devices able manipulate quasiparticles such as polaritons and excitons on a chip for quantum devices. The applicant will work on the theoretical study of the optical properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, focusing on the electric field control of 2D interlayer excitons and their integration in optical microcavities. The post will include: Determining the valley-dependent optical selection rules of 2D materials. Developing a model to describe electric-field-tuneable interlayer excitons in 2D-TMDs. Calculating the optical spectra of interlayer excitons as a function of the applied electric field. The study of strong light-matter coupling arising from excitons in TMDs interacting with photons contained within a microcavity. This EPSRC funded post is post is available immediately in the Department of Physics (starting and initial dates can be adjusted upon request). The successful applicant will do research in the fields of 2D materials, quantum optics and opto-electronics. The Applicant shall be willing to engage with a range of collaborators of the project. We welcome Applicants with background in various research subjects, including but not limited to Extensive expertise in working with matrix Hamiltonians. Proficiency in calculating the single-particle and excitonic energy spectrum of Dirac materials for a variety of model potentials. Experience in determining the optical selection rules of various Dirac materials. Skills in calculating the influence of electric fields and magnetic fields on the optical spectra of Dirac materials. Competence in calculating valley-dependent optical selection in 2D Dirac materials. The post duties will include developing theoretical models, working alongside experimentalists for the validation of the theoretical models, writing and publishing original scientific papers, as well as taking part in weekly group meetings and yearly project meetings. Regular participation in international conferences is planned throughout the project. We offer an opportunity to join a dynamic and rapidly developing group of scientists that work together in a constructive, positive, and inclusive environment. About you The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives in the relevant areas of physics, work collaboratively, and co-supervise the work of other researchers. They will have excellent writing skills, desire to self-study, and will be goal-oriented. During the project, the applicant is expected to learn or improve the skills that are required to acquire independence as a researcher. The project provides funding for participating in several conferences each year. In these conferences, the candidate will share the results of the group to an international audience, build their own network, and facilitate new collaborations with leading scientists in the relevant fields. The candidate will also be encouraged to participate in external stays at leading institutions with which the group is routinely collaborating. Interactions with other groups in Exeter is also supported. The research environment at the University of Exeter is very alive, with regular meetings for theorists at the department and social events. Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. 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 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 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes. Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – 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 Creative City Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 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. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people. Further information For further information please contact Prof S. Russo (s.russoexeter.ac.uk) Interviews are expected to take place within ten days from the closing date.