Postdoctoral Research Associate in Development of Scintillator Materials

The Chemistry Department has over 50 members of academic staff carrying out world-leading research. We specialize in the areas of organic synthesis, chemical biology, computational chemistry, nanotechnology, inorganic and materials chemistry, physical chemistry, and chemical physics. The department has an annual research income of around £15 million, derived from many sources including the Research Councils (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, and NERC), European Commission and a wide range of charities and industrial partners in the UK, Europe and the USA.

Details about our research can be found on the departmental website

About the role Applications are invited for a PDRA position in the Department of Chemistry at University College London. The research focuses on the green synthesis and scale-up of Scintillator Materials imaging applications, including aerospace component inspection and medical imaging. The successful applicant will optimise the synthesis and processing of mixed-metal oxide, controlling phase formation and particle agglomeration. A key aspect of the role is to understand how synthesis and heat-treatment conditions influence phase evolution, sintering behaviours, and resulting particle properties.

The project will integrate wet-chemical synthesis, continuous precipitation, scale-up methods, and materials characterisation using facilities at UCL and partner organizations. The project is funded through a combination of Impact Acceleration and industrial funding. UCL's primary contribution will be to optimise synthesis routes for scale-up and to evaluate sintering and optical performance in partnership with industry, with the goal of improving processing efficiency and reducing costs.

The role will involve materials optimisation, data analysis, and property evaluation. Experimental work will be carried out both independently and collaboratively within the research group and across partner organisations. The postholder will work as part of an active research group of PDRAs, PhD and master's students within the Department of Chemistry at UCL, as well as collaborate with the partners.

The postholder will eventually play a leading role in the research team, including supervising and training existing group members. The position is funded by for up to 12 months. The candidate will join the research team of Prof. Jawwad Darr in the Department of Chemistry at the Bloomsbury Campus of University College London. Information about Prof. Jawwad Darr's group is  About you The postholder will be required to develop and scale up the synthesis of X-ray Scintillator Materials.

A key feature of the project will be to understand the connection between the synthesis and heat treatment methods/conditions in optimising phase, sintering and particle properties. Materials characteristics of powders will also be probed for their composition and particle properties. Experimental work will be carried out independently but also as part of a team of researchers based in the Department of Chemistry, and through collaborations with other research and industry collaborators.

The postholders will be expected to supervise PhD and master's students, write drafts of reports and papers, and manage lab safety.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree (or be about to be awarded a PhD) in a practical area of Chemistry, Materials Chemistry or disciplines related to inorganic synthetic chemistry. Experience wet chemical synthesis methods, materials characterization, a good publication track record, a demonstrated commitment to excellence, and excellent skills in the lab are required. It is also required to work in a multidisciplinary/collaborative team and have effective written and verbal communication skills in…