Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £41,344 - £45,479 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
About the role
We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join an exciting research programme in the research group of Paul Donaldson applying the newest techniques of ultrafast infrared spectroscopy to problems in heterogeneous catalysis. The position will provide the applicant with a unique opportunity to make their mark as an early careers scientist through the unique 2D-IR and laser temperature-jump projects of the research programme and through working on new and state-of-the-art HiLUX facility at CLF-ULTRA.
You will have a PhD in the Physical Sciences and be interested in condensed phase chemical physics/physical chemistry, laser spectroscopy and catalysis science. You are an experimental scientist adept in the key aspects of spectroscopy. You should have experience in ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy, such as 2D-IR and transient IR, or a strong track record in applying other spectroscopic techniques to study catalysts combined with a strong motivation to learn ultrafast spectroscopy.
Your main responsibilities will be:
1. Scientific research across several projects (lead and support roles)
2. Managing and modifying spectroscopy research instrumentation
3. Supporting the operation of the research group’s lab and data infrastructure
4. Sample handling
5. Data analysis and write up
6. Supporting the group’s scheduled user experiments
7. Writing scientific papers
8. Presenting scientific results at conferences
9. Contributing to the group, department and campus scientific culture
10. Working safely and following STFC H&S policies
Person Specification
The below criteria will be assessed at both Shortlisting and Interview:
1. A degree and PhD / DPhil in chemistry, physics or closely related subject
2. Experience in scientific instrument operation – maintenance, development, data acquisition and control software operation/development
3. Experience in an area of experimental chemistry or physics which (after training) provides the foundations for the applicant to confidently prepare solid catalyst samples in spectroscopy cells and manage the spectroscopy cell gas feed systems
4. Experience in spectroscopic measurements of condensed phase samples
5. An interest in working in the fields of ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy and heterogeneous catalysis
6. Track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
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