Cambridge Residency Programme - Experimental Materials Scientist

This is a 24-month fixed-term post-doctoral Residency within the Future AI Infrastructure group at Microsoft Research Cambridge (UK), contributing to the Materials for the Cloud project.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute thin-film deposition experiments using physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques.
• Characterise deposited films using analytical tools such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Develop machine learning approaches for automation of materials synthesis.
• Collaborate across disciplines including chemistry, physics, and computer science.
• Present research findings in internal meetings and prepare submissions to peer-reviewed journals.
• Maintain and troubleshoot vacuum systems and diagnostic equipment.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience in materials physics and optics.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

This position is based in Cambridge, UK, with a work schedule of 3 days per week in-office and less than 25% travel.