Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) – X-ray Optics

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) – X-ray Optics
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
£33,963 to £39,955 per annum
Full time / Flexible hours considered.
3 Years FTC
Reference: 11012

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 including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth, and environmental sciences.

About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the well-established Optics and Metrology Group of Diamond to work on the development of X-ray optics.

The Optics and Metrology Group provides expert support in the design, development, testing, and optimisation of X-ray optics for Diamond’s beamlines. This position will contribute to the LEAPS-INNOV project SuperFlat which aims to improve the quality of X-ray mirrors available to European and UK researchers. This international collaboration involves 10 research facilities (Superflat | A project of LEAPS-INNOV).

The successful candidate will focus on the development of instrumentation and techniques for the in-house developed ion beam figuring system, with the ultimate aim of producing high-quality X-ray mirrors.

Responsibilities include:
• Carrying out in-house research in one or more fields of X-ray optics and metrology.
• Carrying out experiments, analysing data and publish results.
• Developing experimental and data analysis techniques and implement them in the optics group and/or beamlines, as appropriate.
• Providing support in areas of optics to the beamline scientists for specifying, procuring, and testing of beamline optics.
• Keeping up with the latest results and research directions internationally.
• Presenting latest results and research in international conferences and workshops.
• Publishing work in peer-reviewed journals.
• Operating and optimise an ion beam figuring (IBF) system to improve the surface quality of X-ray optics to be used on Diamond’s beamlines.
• Taking initiative in developing hardware upgrades and analysis techniques to improve the performance of the IBF system.
• Performing metrology measurements in the optics metrology laboratory of Diamond and use this data as input to guide the IBF process.

About You
You will hold a degree in an appropriate Science or equivalent qualification, an appropriate PhD and proven relevant experience.

You will demonstrate knowledge / experience in the following areas:
• Python, C++, Matlab or similar platform.
• Related field such as X-ray metrology or X-ray optics.
• Safe handling of delicate optics and intricate instruments.
• Knowledge of synchrotrons.
• The use of non-contact metrology of optics.

The successful candidate will also require the ability to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion.

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 and 2 annual volunteering days, 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. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The closing date for applications is 19th March 2023, , however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.