Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) – Beamline I09

Harwell, Oxfordshire
18 months fixed term

About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, and one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world. 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.

About The Role
We now have an opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate on an 18 month fixed term basis to drive forward our in-house research into understanding on-surface molecular switches and single atom catalysts at a fundamental level.

The role will be based at Diamond’s beamline I09, which is the sole site in the world for performing in situ X-ray standing waves using photoemission. The high-performance instrument is ideally suited for understanding adsorption on surfaces at a fundamental level, particularly in performing chemically resolved structural measurements with precision down to hundredths of an ångstrom.

You will work with the beamline team and other Diamond staff, and participate in user support, beamline commissioning and the development of offline research capabilities.

You will be required to develop as an independent researcher, and participate in the drafting of beamtime proposals for your primary project.

This project is in collaboration with Universities based around the world, and you will also participate in beamtimes not only at Diamond, but also other international synchrotrons, as well as presenting research findings at international conferences.

You will be required to devote some time to support the beamline; carrying out maintenance during operations, acting as local contact, taking part in beamline development projects and discussing experiment and data analysis with outside users.

Further responsibilities will include:
• carrying out in-house research activities;
• carrying out experiments, analysing data and publication of results;
• participating in the supervision and projects of PhD students;
• developing experimental and data analysis techniques and implementing them on the beamline.
• development and testing of new equipment and software;
• testing of samples

Occasional weekend and out of hours working is required, along with occasional UK and overseas travel.

The salary has a discretionary range to £45,048.

About You
You will have an appropriate Science Degree and PhD, along with proven experience and research interest in relevant areas.

You should be familiar with the use of ultra-high vacuum equipment and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Preference will be given to applicants who are also familiar with X-ray standing waves, photoelectron diffraction and scanning tunnelling microscopy, and those with experience in developing UHV equipment.

Experience in exploiting large central facilities and of drafting scientific articles for peer review and disseminating research at international and / or national conference will also be looked upon favourably.

You will also demonstrate knowledge and experience of:
• growth of organic ultrathin films;
• synchrotron radiation and beamlines;
• programming in Python, Matlab, FORTRAN or similar;
• supporting scientists in the conduct of research in a laboratory.

You will display good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills in order to interact with facility staff and users at all levels.

Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to ensure an excellent work/life balance including 25 days’ annual leave, 13 days statutory and company holidays, flexible working hours, an onsite nursery, an excellent pension scheme, and social and sporting activities.

To Apply
Applicants are required to outline their suitability for this role via the online application process. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.

Closing date: 13 November 2019.
Interviews schedule for 22 November 2019.

Diamond are members of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion and we have achieved the Athena SWAN Bronze award and Disability Confident Level One.