This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate, Beamline I15-1
Job Reference DIA0928/TH
Post Type Full time, 3 year fixed term
Division Physical Science
Salary information Circa £34k
Application deadline 08/06/2014


Job Description

The UK’s national synchrotron science facility, Diamond Light Source, conducts world-class research in virtually all fields of science. Located 20 minutes from Oxford, it sits in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers rewarding career opportunities.

The I15-1 Beamline at Diamond Light Source will be the first X-ray Pair-Distribution-Function (X-PDF) instrument of its kind in Europe and ready for first users in 2016. It will interface directly with the current diffraction and Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure capabilities on offer at Diamond, and will collaborate with the scientific programmes of the Extreme Conditions (I15) and Engineering (I12) beamlines.

We are seeking a PDRA to participate in the development of the software for X-PDF data processing for a robust on-the-fly X-PDF generation at I15-1. This requires writing and maintaining code for 2D-diffraction data correction, implement strategies for an automated data processing but also keeping abreast of new software and analysis trends. A detailed knowledge of scattering theory as well as experience with PDF analysis programs such as PDFgui and RMCProfile is highly desirable. The successful candidate will perform individual research related to local structure determination (e.g. on I15). The post will be for three years.

To strongly support in the development of software for X-PDF data processing for a robust on-the-fly X-PDF generation; writing and maintaining new code for 2D-diffraction data correction; implementing strategies for an automated data processing; keeping abreast of new software and analysis trends; conduct own research related to local structure determination.

Work in the team in the following areas:

  • Development of software for X-PDF data processing for a robust on-the-fly X-PDF generation;
  • Writing and maintaining code for 2D-diffraction data correction;
  • Ensuring an easy transition from X-PDF data to analysis programs;
  • Develop data collection strategies for efficient XPDF data collection on I15-1 & I15;
  • Investigate suitable standards for X-PDF data;
  • Pursuit of a research programme on the study of related to local structure determination, including the analysis and publication of the results;
  • Keeping up with latest results and research directions internationally.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate First Degree;
  • PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials,  Earth Sciences, or equivalent qualification;
  • Experience or knowledge of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction;
  • Experience of total scattering methods;
  • Detailed knowledge of scattering theory;
  • 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 interact effectively with staff at all levels;
  • Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Self motivation;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences;
  • Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Experience with PDF analysis programs such as PDFgui and RMCProfile;
  • Experience in Python, Jython, Java or C++;
  • Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix.

Further Information

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

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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