Post-Doctoral Research Associate – I12 (JEEP)

Post-Doctoral Research Associate – I12 (JEEP)                                                    

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

£33,963 to £39,955 per annum

Full time

3 Years Fixed Term

Reference: 10647

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. These disciplines include materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences, physics, chemistry, and structural biology.

I12 is the Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing Beamline (JEEP) beamline at Diamond. It is a multi-technique facility for imaging and diffraction studies of engineering components, materials, and processes, under realistic conditions. X-ray techniques available are radiography, tomography, monochromatic diffraction, monochromatic X-ray scattering and energy-dispersive diffraction. I12 has a broad user community in materials science and engineering, chemical processing, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, geoscience, palaeontology, and physics. Most experiments performed on Beamline I12 are in-situ and time resolved.

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work within the I12 beamline team, supervised and mentored by the Principal Beamline Scientist. The successful candidate will develop their own research interests in an area relevant to the beamline’s user community, with a particular emphasis on time-resolved studies. 

The role also includes some support of beamline operations, within the capabilities and expertise of the PDRA and supported by other beamline staff. For operational support, the person will fulfil duties such as acting as point of contact for user experiments, taking part in beamline development projects and discussing experiments and data analysis with outside users. 

Candidates are invited to propose their own research project, using one or more of the core techniques available at the beamline. We welcome proposals in science areas that are under-represented, such as healthcare, environmental science, and geotechnics. However, all high-quality research proposals will be considered.

About You

You hold a Ph.D. in a scientific field relevant for the post (for example materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, earth science, biomedical engineering, geotechnics).

• You have a strong background in experimental work, with well-developed experimental skills and the ability to conduct high quality, original research.
• You are an enthusiastic and motivated scientist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of X-ray tomography, X-ray imaging or powder diffraction are essential.  
• Experience with synchrotron radiation is an advantage, as is experience in performing in-situ and time resolved experiments. 
• Software development and programming skills (for example in Python or C) are also highly desirable.

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, 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.

We take an active approach to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our activities at Diamond, with a dedicated commitment to ensuring we provide a fulfilling and enjoyable place to work, where all staff feel valued and recognised for their individual contribution.

To Apply

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

• Applicants must summarise their proposed research ideas in their covering letter, and should be prepared to present a defined, well-planned experimental proposal at interview.

The closing date for applications is 15^th May 2022. Interviews will take place in early June 2022