Postdoctoral Research Associate - B07 Cluster

Postdoctoral Research Associate - B07 Cluster

£37,087 to £40,754 per annum (Discretionary range to £46,868), dependent upon skills and experience

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire – primarily based onsite.

3 Years

Reference: 11338


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.

VerSoX (B07) is a beamline that is largely dedicated to x-ray spectroscopy under ambient-pressure environments. The beamline has been operational since summer 2017 and is used for studies of heterogeneous catalysts under mild reaction conditions and related research, such as electrochemical interfaces. In order to build up experience and expertise in this field, the beamline team also undertakes related experiments at other synchrotron facilities in Europe and USA.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct world-leading research aligned to the strategic objectives of the B07 group.

The main scientific objective of this post is a better understanding of relationship between structure/composition and activity/selectivity of well-defined nanoparticles in electrochemical and gas-phase environments. The successful candidate will operate a recently acquired size-selected cluster source and define a research programme within this area, coordinate beamtime proposals and carry out experiments at beamlines and in the laboratory. In addition, limited support for beamline users is expected.

The post holder will be expected to carry out some of the work at facilities outside of Diamond Light Source.

About You

You will hold an appropriate Science Degree, or equivalent as well as an appropriate PhD with proven relevant experience in the following areas:

· Use of scientific instrumentation.

· Scientific data collection.

· At least one of the following research areas: Heterogeneous Catalysis; Clusters/Nanoparticles.

· Supporting scientists in the conduct of research.

· Full data analysis, including relevant programming.

We seek candidates with experience in soft x-ray techniques for chemical and structural analysis of surfaces such as x-ray absorption or photoemission spectroscopy. Candidates with experience in ambient-pressure spectroscopies and research areas such as Heterogenous Catalysis or Electrochemistry are particularly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit 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 28th April 2024, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.