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Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate, Beamline I16
Job Reference DIA0817/CB
Post Type
Division Science
Salary information £33k
Application deadline 28/02/2013


Job Description

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. Located at Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, we enable world-leading research across a wide range of scientific disciplines and industrial applications

Beamline I16 (Materials & Magnetism) has been operational for five years and provides a World-class single crystal diffraction facility that is optimised for resonant and magnetic x-ray scattering in the 3-15 keV energy range. It provides variable photon polarization, a six-circle kappa diffractometer and a range  of sample environments and advanced detectors, to support a vibrant UK and international research community and in-house team, focusing on electronic ordering in materials that are of topical interest in condensed matter physics. 

The objectives of this post are to work closely with various user groups to ensure that their experiments on I16 are carried out safely and effectively, to advise on sound experimental strategies, and (with selected groups) to assist with the interpretation of experimental data and modelling of physical systems such as magnetic structures.

The successful candidate will be an integral part of the beamline team and will have an opportunity to participate with in-house research projects in relevant areas of condensed matter physics (e.g. magnetic structures of novel multiferroics) and x-ray physics, as well as forming scientific collaborations with some user groups.

The post will require extensive work on the beamline, development and maintenance of equipment such as sample stages and microfocus optics, and some programming in Python for data collection and analysis.

While the post is centred on Diamond beamline I16, there may be opportunities to carry out experiments at other beamlines and laboratories.

The successful candidate will be expected to work towards publication and presentation of scientific results.

To work on Beamline I16 with external users and beamline staff, to assist with experiments and data analysis. You will be required 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.

Duies to include:

  • Ensure that experiments on I16 are carried out safely and effectively, sometimes acting as ‘local contact’;
  • Assists and advise users on data reduction and interpretation, and modelling of physical systems, i.e. magnetic structures;
  • Assist and encourage users with publication of scientific data;
  • Maintain and develop beamline equipment;
  • Participate in ‘in-house’ research, analyse data and publish results.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate first degree;
  • PhD;
  • Experience of programming;
  • Skilled in computer programming, ideally Python;
  • Proven track record in advanced data analysis;
  • Good knowledge of x-ray diffraction and crystallography;
  • Good knowledge of condensed matter physics, including magnetism;
  • 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 motivation.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Good organisational and planning skills;
  • Experience with synchrotron-based techniques and instrumentation;
  • Experience of sample environment equipment;
  • Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix;
  • Some experience with Python programming language.

Further Information

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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