We require candidates with experience in soft x-ray techniques for chemical and structural analysis of surfaces such as x-ray absorption or photoemission spectroscopy. Candidates with experience in ambient-pressure spectroscopies are particularly encouraged to apply.  The post holder will be expected to carry out some of the work at facilities outside Diamond Light Source.

Branch C of VERSOX (B07) is a beamline that is largely dedicated to x-ray spectroscopy under ambient-pressure environments. The beamline has been operational since summer 2017 and is used for studies of heterogeneous catalysts under mild reaction conditions and related research. In order to build up experience and expertise in this field, the beamline team will also undertake related experiments at other synchrotron facilities in Europe and USA in close collaboration with the University of Reading. The main scientific objective of this post is a better understanding of the interaction between solvent molecules (e.g. water, alcohols) and organic reactants on metal and oxide catalyst surfaces. The successful candidate will define a research programme within this area, coordinate beamtime proposals and carry out experiments at beamlines and in the laboratory.

To work within the Beamline team to undertake research. You will be required to devote some time to support the beamline, fulfilling duties such as acting as local contact, taking part in beamline development projects and discussing experiment and data analysis with outside users.

•  carrying out in-house research activities;
• carrying out experiments, analysing data and publication of results;
• maintenance of the beamline during operations;
• development and testing of new equipment and software;
• support of users in performing their experiments at Diamond;
• testing of samples sent to Diamond by users;
• assisting users with data analysis;
• keeping up with latest results and research directions internationally;
• developing experimental and data analysis techniques and implementing them on the beamline. 

• Appropriate Science Degree;
• Appropriate PhD and proven relevant experience;
• Experience in the use of scientific instrumentation;
• Experience in scientific data collection;
• Expertise in at least one of the following techniques: x-ray emission spectroscopy (XPS) x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS, NEXAFS);
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact with staff and facility users at all levels;
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Good organisational and planning skills;
• Self motivation;
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working;
• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences. 

• Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix;
• Experience in synchrotron radiation based research;
• Experience in supporting scientists in the conduct of research in a synchrotron or equivalent facility;
• Good background in X-ray instrumentation and  X-ray detectors;
• Capability of full data analysis;
• Experience in other surface characterization methods (LEED, TPD, STM, etc).

• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working;
• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.