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Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA), Materials & Magnetism Beamline I16
Job Reference DIA0517/SB
Post Type
Division Science
Salary information Circa £33k (depending on previous experience and qualifications)
Application deadline 15/05/2009
Date of interviews 29/05/2009


Job Description

Diamond Light Source is a new synchrotron and a leading scientific facility of its type in the world. Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire, we host research facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science.

Beamline I16 (materials & Magnetism) is a high-flux single-crystal diffraction facility that is optimised for resonant and non-resonant scattering and X-ray Physics applications, in the 3-15 keV energy range. It s equipped with a large six-circle diffractometer with variable polarization and a wide range of x-ray detector systems.

Candidates should have a strong interest in the use of resonant x-ray scattering for studies of contemporary topics in condensed matter physics, and will work closely with the Beamline Scientist and the Principal Beamline Scientist on several projects, mainly based on beamline I16, including x-ray studies of frustrated magnetic systems and interpretation and modelling of resonant scattering data. The position will also involve development of the facility in areas that are relevant to the in-house research themes, requiring skills in instrumentation, mathematics and computing.

Working with the I16 beamline team in the following areas:

  • Carrying out experiments, analysing data and publication of results;
  • Keeping up with latest results and research directions internationally;
  • Developing experimental and data analysis techniques and implementing them on the beamline;
  • Jython scripting for data acquisition;
  • Occasional support of the research projects of the users, who will come from a diverse scientific background.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate first degree:
  • PhD;
  • Experience or knowledge in x-ray diffraction;
  • Experience or knowledge in synchrotron instrumentation;
  • Experience or knowledge of scientific data analysis and programming/scripting;
  • Interest and experience in a relevant area of materials or x-ray physics;
  • Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
  • Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
  • Good organisational and planning skills;
  • Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Self motivation;
  • Able to propose new directions for research.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences;
  • Experience of synchrotrons / x-ray beamlines.

Further Information

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

Applying for employment

For further details on applying for employment at Diamond, please visit our 'Application Form' page.

Appointments will be made depending on the skills and experience of the candidate. Electronic Diamond application forms in MS-Word are preferred. These should be emailed to recruitment@diamond.ac.uk



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