Post-Doctoral Research Associate - X-ray powder diffraction

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 exciting opportunity for post-doctoral research associate to join the I11 beamline at Diamond Light Source and develop further our research in naturally occurring primitive materials.

The I11 beamline is optimised for high-resolution and time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction studies of the structure and evolution of materials under ambient and non-ambient conditions through the use of a range of in situ sample environments (e.g., variable temperature, humidity, gas loading and flow). The beamline is also supported with facilities for chemical synthesis and complementary analyses (e.g., SEM, Raman, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy).

The selected candidate will be expected to use the beamline and its facilities (as well as other central facilities/techniques where appropriate) to work with beamline staff on existing projects, as well as developing their own individual research. Although research focussed, the post holder will also spend part of their time working with the beamline team in providing support to the beamline (routine operations, commissioning, and development/installation of sample cells) and its user programme.

Our current research interests are largely focussed on planetary, astrophysical, and terrestrial materials and include:
- mineralisation in aqueous environments at low temperature,
- formation/dissociation of clathrate hydrates in low-temperature high gas pressure saline environments,
- synthesis, characterisation, and mineralisation of amorphous silicates under non-ambient conditions (e.g., thermal processing, gas-solid interactions),
- phase relationships and formation pathways in planetary and astrophysical minerals and materials
- organic-inorganic mineral interactions, pre-biogenic materials, biominerals and biomorphs

Applicants should have a strong research interest in one or more of these science areas or in a closely related field.

About You
Suitable candidates will hold an appropriate Science Degree and PhD, along with proven relevant experience.

You will also be familiar with the application of powder diffraction and the analysis powder diffraction data, though suitable candidates with experience of other diffraction/scattering methods (e.g., single crystal, XPDF) and/or complimentary techniques (synchrotron or laboratory) would be considered.

Experience in either of the following is also desirable:
- sample synthesis methods,
- experience of, or an interest in, applying machine learning methods to the analysis of large-volume data sets, for which good programming experience and skill (e.g., python) would be required.

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 18th June 2023 however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.