This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate, I15
Job Reference DIA0893/TH
Post Type
Division Science
Salary information Circa £33k
Application deadline 31/01/2014
Date of interviews 18/02/2014


Job Description

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

The Extreme Conditions Beamline (I15) at Diamond Light Source provides powder and single-crystal diffraction based around the diamond-anvil cell with the possibility to go to extreme temperature conditions. A wide range of on- and off-line laser facilities complements the diffraction techniques at high pressure.

We are seeking a PDRA to participate in the development of a combined laser-heating and diffraction set up for pressurized samples in diamond-anvil cells and the research at extreme conditions based on I15. A thorough knowledge of experimental high pressure techniques, x-ray diffraction, and laser heating is essential. The successful candidate will work with the beamline team to commission the set up for x-ray diffraction on laser-heated samples at high pressures and perform individual research in this area. Some beamline operation and development, including User support might be required. The post will be initially for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

To support in the installation and commissioning of the on- and off-line laser heating system for diamond anvil cells; to conduct own research using the combined x-ray diffraction and laser heating set-up.

Work in the team in the following areas:

  • Commission the off-line laser heating and combined on-line laser-heating and diffraction set up for pressurized samples in diamond-anvil cells;
  • Pursuit of a research programme on the study of materials under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature, including the analysis and publication of the results;
  • Keeping up with latest results and research directions internationally;
  • Developing experimental and data analysis techniques and implementing them on the beamline;
  • Assist the beamline staff in maintaining and running the beamline peripheral laboratories;
  • Occasional support of the research projects of the users, who will come from a diverse scientific background. (This will include occasional duties as local contact for users).

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate First Degree;
  • PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials,  Earth Sciences, or equivalent qualification;
  • Experience or knowledge of synchrotrons X-ray powder diffraction;
  • Experience  of in situ high-pressure and laser heating synchrotron x-ray diffraction;
  • 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  in  optics and spectrometer systems;
  • Crystallographic data collection skills – powder and/or single-crystal procedures and software packages;
  • Knowledge of vibrational spectroscopy applied at high pressure;
  • 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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