Post Doctoral Research Associate - x-ray spectroscopy
Diamond Light Source
1233
12052
Post Doctoral Research Associate - x-ray spectroscopy
£38,756 to £42,588
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire – primarily based onsite / some home working available
Full time / Flexible hours considered.
3 Years
Reference: 11426
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to join B07. VerSoX (B07) is a beamline that is largely dedicated to x-ray spectroscopy under environments ranging from ultra-high vacuum to ambient pressure. The beamline has been operational since summer 2017 and is used for studies of heterogeneous catalysts and electrochemical interfaces under mild reaction conditions and related research, such as model systems in under well-defined conditions. 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.
The main scientific objective of this post is a better understanding of the relationship between structure/composition and activity/selectivity of well-defined alloy and oxide nanoparticles in vacuum and in gas-phase environments. The successful candidate will work with a recently acquired state-of-the-art size-selected cluster source and other instrumentation available at Diamond (e.g. X-ray spectroscopy, TEM). They will refine the 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 successful candidate will work with a recently acquired state-of-the-art 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.
You will be responsible for the following:
· Operate and further develop the beamline’s size-selected cluster programme.
· Support users and in-house researchers using the cluster source.
· Periodically review the relevant literature.
· Synthesise nano-catalysts and study size effects in heterogeneous catalysis (tbc with line manager).
· Maintain contact with national and international project partners.
About You
You will hold an appropriate Science Degree, or equivalent and an appropriate PhD with proven relevant 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 clusters are particularly encouraged to apply.
The post holder will be expected to carry out some of the work at facilities outside Diamond Light Source.
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 22nd September 2024, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.