Post-Doctoral Research Associate – I12 (JEEP)
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
£33,963 to £39,955 per annum
Full time
3 Years Fixed Term
Reference: 10647
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays, which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines. These disciplines include structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth, and environmental sciences.
About the Role
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work within the I12 beamline team.
I12 is the Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing Beamline (JEEP) beamline at Diamond. It is a multi-technique facility for imaging and diffraction studies of engineering components, materials, and processes, under realistic conditions. X-ray techniques that are available: radiography, tomography, monochromatic diffraction, monochromatic X-ray scattering and energy-dispersive diffraction.
I12 has a broad user community in materials science and engineering, chemical processing, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, geoscience, palaeontology, and physics. Most experiments performed on I12 are in-situ and time resolved.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their own research interests in an area relevant to the beamline’s user community, with a particular emphasis on time-resolved studies. Candidates are invited to propose their own research project using one or more of the core techniques available at the beamline. We welcome proposals in science areas that are currently under-represented, for example, healthcare, environmental science, and geotechnics. However, all high-quality research proposals will be considered.
The role also includes some support of beamline operations. For operational support, you will fulfil duties such as acting as the point of contact for user experiments, taking part in beamline development projects and discussing experiments and data analysis with outside users.
About You
You will have a Degree and a Ph.D. in a scientific field relevant for the post (e.g. materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, earth science, biomedical engineering, geotechnics).
You have a strong background in experimental work with well-developed experimental skills and the ability to conduct high quality, original research.
You will have expertise in one or more of the core techniques used at Beamline I12: X-ray imaging/tomography; X-ray powder diffraction and scattering, also energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction.
Experience with synchrotron radiation is an advantage, as is experience in performing in-situ and time resolved experiments.
Software development and programming skills (e.g. in Python or C) are also highly desirable.
You will be an enthusiastic and motivated scientist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, along with flexible working hours and an excellent pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
Applicants are requested to summarise their research ideas in their covering letter, and should be prepared to present a defined, well-planned experimental proposal at interview.
Anticipated start date. April 2022
The closing date for applications is 30th of January 2022.
