Instrument Scientist - TOSCA-VESPA
Salary: Band D £41,344 or Band E £51,242 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (48 months)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. Alongside world-class engineers and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world!
The European Spallation Source (ESS) is currently under construction in Lund (Sweden). Both the UK (via the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)) and Italy (via the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)) are partners in this pan-European project. As part of their contribution to the ESS, the CNR are committed to providing the indirect geometry spectrometer, VESPA, to the ESS instrument suite. ISIS and CNR are collaborating on the design of the instrument and to progress it further we are looking to recruit an instrument scientist to work on the design of the VESPA spectrometer. This is a fixed-term four-year position and you will be part of the ISIS Molecular Spectroscopy Group.
The role has two major components: the first is working with the VESPA lead scientist on the design of VESPA using ray-tracing simulations and on related areas such as prototyping components. The second is working on the TOSCA spectrometer at ISIS, the instrument that inspired VESPA. This includes supporting and collaborating with users to run inelastic neutron scattering experiments as well as conducting your own research program on instruments at ISIS and other neutron sources. You will work with international teams and will be involved with experiments covering a wide range of scientific research disciplines.
The duties of the position include:
* Assist in the design and construction of the VESPA spectrometer
* Provide support to users on TOSCA, from proposal submission through experimental time to data analysis
* Conduct a scientific research program that includes the use of the spectrometers in the group (IRIS, OSIRIS, TOSCA and VESUVIO) as well as other instruments at ISIS and other neutron sources
* Contribute to developments and improvements on TOSCA, including on the instrument itself, sample environment equipment and data reduction and analysis methods
* Participate fully in the scientific life of the Molecular Spectroscopy Group, as well as that of the facility more widely
* Promotion of the Molecular Spectroscopy Group’s capabilities with new user groups and communities, with a view to expanding the user base
About you
We are looking for someone with relevant research experience and an interest in instrument design. In particular, experience of ray-tracing simulations (e.g. McStas, VITESS) and capability in using inelastic neutron scattering are required. You will work well in a collaborative environment and will have broad interests in order to work effectively with our users. You will have many ideas for your own research and will be able to communicate this with clarity and enthusiasm.
About us
The ISIS Neutron & Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the STFC. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials at the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers and on to fundamental studies of materials.
The Molecular Spectroscopy Group at ISIS operates four world-class inelastic neutron spectrometers: IRIS, OSIRIS, TOSCA and VESUVIO. They are used for investigations of the dynamics of materials covering timescales from the femto-second to the nano-second range and energies from μeV to eV. A wide range of disciplines make use of the Group’s instruments. There are active research programs in catalysis, proton conductors, battery components, soft matter and biological materials.
TOSCA is a neutron spectrometer that is optimised for vibrational spectroscopy; it is the neutron analogue of conventional infrared and Raman spectrometers. The users are predominantly from chemistry and materials science backgrounds. The science is wide-ranging; however, there is a very strong program in catalysis and gas separation studies.
Please be aware that on occasions you will be working in classified radiation areas and look to on occasions undertake travel within the UK and overseas. Additionally, working flexible hours when required due to business need will also be required on occasions.
Person Specification
The below criteria will be assessed at shortlisting (S), at Interview (I) or both (S&I)
Qualifications:
* Educated to PhD level in physics, chemistry, materials science, or similar discipline (or imminent award of a PhD) (S)
Knowledge and experience:
* Experience of design in scientific instrumentation or sample environment (S&I)
* Demonstrable potential (Band D) or proven ability (Band E) to pursue an independent research program (S&I)
* A fundamental understanding of the neutron spectroscopy technique (I)
* Computational skills, including a working knowledge of coding languages (e.g. C++, Python, Matlab) (S&I)
Other skills:
* Good interpersonal and communication/written skills (S&I)
* Ability to work independently and in a team (I)
* Good appreciation of the safety responsibilities of working at a research facility using neutrons (I)
Employee Benefits:
We are offering a whole host of benefits including:
* 30 days holiday FTE (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
* Flexible working hours
* An excellent defined average salary pension scheme
* Employee shopping/travel discounts
* Excellent learning and development opportunities
Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible.
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.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
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