Magnetic Spectroscopy has been recognized as a main area of in-house and collaborative research. The group has a long-standing international reputation and is involved in experimental scientific programmes at Diamond as well as elsewhere (ESRF, Grenoble, ALS, Berkeley, BESSY, Berlin). X-ray magnetic circular and linear dichroism using polarized soft x-rays have become powerful element-specific probes to measure the spin and orbital magnetic moments of magnetic materials, such as for technological application in spintronics.  Among the new developments using magnetic dichroism are soft x-ray magnetic holography, and x-ray ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and among the new materials studied are topological insulators, skyrmions, exchange spring magnets, multiferroics, and magnetoelectrics.

The PRDA will be an active member of the Magnetic Spectroscopy Group and collaborate in synchrotron radiation-related activities, involving a variety of beam lines as well as off-line instruments, such as vector network analyser ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR) and other magnetic characterization techniques.

A main task will be the development and exploration of new state-of-the-art techniques, in particular for time-resolved microwave-driven measurements using x-ray magnetic dichroism as detection method. An active scientific input is expected in the experiments and the publication of the results.

We are looking for a person with good knowledge of magnetism and related magnetic measurement techniques using synchrotron radiation. The candidate should hold a PhD in Physical Sciences preferably followed by relevant experience, should have worked on a related field before and have an excellent publication record.

The PDRA will work in the Magnetic Spectroscopy Group under the direction of the Senior Research Scientist. The work will be in-house research oriented with emphasis excellence and publication output.

Develop and explore new state-of-the-art techniques in magnetic spectroscopy using polarized soft x-rays, in particular for time resolved microwave driven measurements using x-ray magnetic dichroism as detection method. Provide as part of a team an active scientific input in the experiments and publication of the results. 

• Participation in the in-house research program of the Magnetic Spectroscopy Group and the publication of the results;
• Developing time-resolved microwave techniques;
• Collaborating in other new developments in the area of soft x-ray magnetic spectroscopy;
• Participating in beamtime at Diamond as well as national synchrotron facilities abroad;
• Assisting in running the Magnetic Spectroscopy Lab and synchrotron radiation-related activities in collaboration with staff and users. 

• Appropriate PhD degree;
• Research qualification as demonstrated by scientific output, such as an excellent scientific publication record;
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and to take it effectively through to the end;
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
• Ability to present seminars and write papers on research work;
• Ability to take day to day responsibility of lab work and experiments;
• Self motivation;
• Must be able to travel occasionally in the UK and abroad, including overnight absences;
• Availability to work occasionally outside normal hours when experiments require.

• Relevant post PhD experience;
• Experience in scientific applications of synchrotron radiation on magnetic materials;
• Good practical background in magnetic spectroscopy;
• experience in ferromagnetic resonance techniques;
• Experience with soft x-ray beamlines;
• Experience with magnetic dichroism;
• Experience with scientific computer codes;
• Ability to coordinate research activities;
• Good organisational and planning skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Must be able to travel occasionally in the UK and abroad, including overnight absences;
• Availability to work occasionally outside normal hours when experiments require.