Research Assistant / Associate in Applied Materials

Salary:

Research Assistant: £34,630 to £36,320 per annum

Research Associate: £37,369 to £40,704 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 22 October 2026

The Role

This post will support a translational research project developing a novel electrochromic infrared coating technology into working demonstrator devices. The role holder will undertake the day-to-day laboratory activity required to optimise coating formulations, fabricate test and demonstrator devices, and generate a clear performance dataset suitable for technical and commercial review. The work will be supervised by the Principal Investigator and will connect closely with Newcastle University’s commercialisation team and external stakeholders. The role is laboratory-based and hands-on, with an emphasis on careful experimental design, reliable data capture, safe working practice, and clear communication of results.

Contact for the post: toby.hallam@newcastle.ac.uk

Duration of post: Fixed term until 30 June 2027

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/

Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/research/

To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and expercine align to the criteria as described in person specification

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

· Develop and optimise coating formulations and device assembly processes while protecting commercially sensitive know-how.

· Fabricate small-area and demonstrator-scale devices using laboratory coating and device-processing equipment.

· Carry out electrical, optical/infrared, emissivity, cycling and mechanical durability tests, maintaining accurate records and safe working practice.

· Prepare clear performance data packs, technical summaries and risk/next-step recommendations for internal and external review.

· Support project coordination, procurement/consumables tracking and partner-facing demonstrations where required.

· Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.

· Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s).

· Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project.

· Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books).

· Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate.

Research Associate

· Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project.

· Determine appropriate methodologies for research.

· Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.

· Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications.

· Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline.

· Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

· Knowledge of applied materials, thin-film coatings, polymers, nanomaterials, electrochemical devices, optoelectronic materials or closely related areas.

· Experience of nanoparticle composite formulations , coating/deposition, device fabrication and/or characterisation of functional materials.

· Ability to design and carry out structured experiments, record methods and results rigorously, and interpret performance data.

· Awareness of laboratory safety, risk assessment, and responsible handling of chemicals, materials and device fabrication equipment.

· Ability to work collaboratively with academic, technical and commercial stakeholders while respecting confidentiality and intellectual property requirements.

· Knowledge of, ability to develop expertise in, or experience of applied materials, thin-film coating, device fabrication, electrochemical/optoelectronic devices or related laboratory methods.

· Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy.

· Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences.

· Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results.

· Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues.

· Excellent IT skills in all major office applications.

· The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.

In addition for Research Associate

· Awareness of the research environment.

· High level of analytical and problem solving capacity.

· Ability to communicate complex information with clarity.

· Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications.

Attributes and Behaviour

· Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team.

· Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines.

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity.

Qualifications

Research Assistant

· Honours degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nanoscience or a closely related discipline.

In addition for Research Associate

· PhD awarded in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Nanoscience or a closely related discipline.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 29830