University of Surrey
SCHOOL OF ELECTRONICS AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Department of Physics
Research Fellow in
Atomic Force Microscopy and Ion Beam
Analysis of Adhesive Latex Films
(Ref: 4526)
Salary: Up to £23,643 per annum
(subject to experience and qualifications)
Applications are invited for a three-year Post-Doctoral Research position which is available as
part of a European Commission FP6 project - called "Designed Nanoscale Heterogeneities for
Controlling Waterborne Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Performance" (NsHAPe).
PSAs are polymers that adhere instantly to nearly any substrate under the application of light
pressure. They are used in everyday life as tapes and labels, and they are increasingly being
employed in demanding applications in the automotive, aerospace, medical and electronics
industries. This project aims to develop improved adhesives through the control of their structure
at the nanometer length scale. The PSAs will be cast from colloidal dispersions in water (i.e.
latex), which is an environmentally-friendly process.
The role of the University of Surrey in the programme is to use techniques of atomic force
microscopy to determine the structure of the soft, adhesive surfaces. A Digital Instruments
Nanoscope III and an NTI-Europe Ntegra Laboratory will both be used for this purpose. Also at
Surrey, ion beam analysis, especially Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry, will be used to
determine the spatial distribution of surfactants near the adhesive surface. Other partners in the
NsHAPe Programme are the University of Manchester, ESPCI (Paris, France), Surface
Specialities (Drogenbos, Belgium), and Raflatac (Tampere, Finland). There will be the
opportunity for travel for meetings with these partners.
The successful applicant will hold a relevant qualification and have already have previous
experience with techniques of atomic force microscopy, although further training will be
provided. Knowledge of polymer and colloid science would be helpful. Applicants should have
good communication skills and be able to write quality technical reports in English.
Informal enquiries or technical questions about the project can be directed to Dr JL Keddie (Tel:
+44 (0)1483 686803 or e-mail: j.keddie@surey.ac.uk
For an application pack and details of how to apply please contact Ms Niamh Dempsey, School
Human Resources Manager, School of Electronics and Physical Sciences (SEPS), University of
Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH. Tel:+44(0)1483 689133. Email to
n.dempsey@surrey.ac.uk or download application documents from: http://www.surrey.ac.uk
under “Employment Opportunities”. Please quote Post Reference Number 4526, supply your
postal address and where you saw this advertisement.
Closing date for applications is Friday, 17 September 2004.
The University is committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy