Research Fellow (111664-0526)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Geetha Balakrishnan (Professor) at G.Balakrishnan@warwick.ac.uk. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group within the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to work on a range of projects as part of an EPSRC Funded project entitled “Single Crystal Growth at Warwick”. The work focuses on the production of high-quality crystals of oxides, borides, chalcogenides and intermetallic materials. These include superconductors, various low dimensional materials, frustrated magnets, skyrmion and topological materials. The crystals will be grown using various techniques such as the floating zone method using optical mirror furnaces, the Czochralski method using a tetra-arc furnace, the Bridgman, flux growth and the chemical vapour transport techniques. Other techniques will also be used as required.

In addition to crystal growth, the work will also involve the characterisation of the crystals produced, through measurements of their structural, magnetic, and transport properties. Extensive laboratory based powder and single crystal x-ray diffraction work will be required. There will be scope for taking part in experiments at international facilities using neutron and x-ray scattering, as well as muon techniques.

You should be trained in experimental solid-state synthesis, the preparation of intermetallic, and have experience of crystal growth techniques and low-temperature experimental methods.

You will be an excellent communicator, capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a lively research team. You will possess excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.

For further information, please see the person specification section of the attached job description.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

Superconductivity and Magnetism Group

The project takes place in the context of an exciting wider programme of materials investigation currently underway within the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group. The group studies highly correlated electron systems including magnetic and exotic superconductors, intermetallic heavy fermions, topological materials, frustrated magnets and 2D materials grown as single crystals using a range of techniques. We make extensive use of neutron, synchrotron and muon sources worldwide, high magnetic field facilities, as well as in-house magnetometry, transport and related measurements. The candidate will work with all the members of the group and benefit from association with other ongoing projects. The group has an international reputation for its continued excellence in the long running EPSRC funded programme on “Single Crystal Growth at Warwick”.

For further information about the Superconductivity and Magnetism Group, please visit our website at:

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/physics/research/condensedmatt/supermag/

Department of Physics

The post will be based in the Department of Physics, a vibrant academic department with over 200 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, over 800 undergraduate students and 200 postgraduate research students.

We are proud of our diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining excellence in both teaching and research by promoting equality of opportunity for all, within a culture of mutual respect and dignity.

We are pleased to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality for all staff and students. We also hold an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award in support of our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Further information about working in the Department of Physics and the benefits available can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.

The University supports flexible working and requests for part-time working or job-share will be considered where possible

Childcare for interviews

Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www.warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time) 

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: July 2026
• Start Date: As soon as possible. 

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.