Working under the supervision of the I20 Principal Beamline Scientist, the PDRA will be responsible for developing a research programme in the area of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy applied to the study of the structure and properties of metal-organic framework materials. The aim of the project is to develop optimised experimental methods and analytical approaches for X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of this class of material, that enhance the experimental capabilities of I20 (X-ray absorption spectroscopy in transmission, fluorescence and dispersive geometries, and X-ray emission spectroscopy). In addition to their primary research programme, the PDRA will be expected to assist in the general development and commissioning of the beamline instrumentation, as well provide a level of user experiment support through local contacting experiments and data analysis.

• To develop a research programme in the area of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy applied to the study of the structure and properties of metal-organic framework materials under the supervision of the I20 Principal Beamline Scientist;
• To develop and setup the new equipment necessary to carry out the above research programme;
• To carry out experiments, to analyse the data and to publish the results, both in international journals and through attendance at scientific conferences;
• To keep up with latest results and research directions of the national and international community;
• To develop experimental and data analysis techniques and implementing them on the beamline;
• To assists in the development of new instrumentation to upgrade the performance of the beamline;
• To assists in the maintenance of the beamline components and equipment during operations;
• To assists in the support of users in performing their experiments at Diamond;
• To support of in-house research activities.

• Appropriate First Degree;
• Postgraduate degree;
• Relevant synchrotron research experience;
• Experience or knowledge of synchrotrons;
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Self motivated;
• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences. 

• Experience of beamline instrumentation;
• Knowledge of x-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques;
• Knowledge of scripting languages, i.e. Jython;
• Knowledge of routine laboratory characterization techniques such as Raman, IR, UV-Vis;
• Experience with sample environment equipment: cryostats, gas cells, etc…;
• Research experience in MOFs synthesis and characterization.

• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.