Post-doctoral Research Associate
- 📁
- Technical
- 📅
- Aug 30, 2024 Post Date
- 📅
- 240000G5 Requisition #
Post-doctoral Research Associate – Developing 3D printing materials and techniques for neutron scattering applications
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £48,802 per annum.
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (24 months)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire AND PSI CH, PSI, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
Background
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Our neutron and muon instruments give unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale.
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and PSI are the UK’s and Switzerland’s leading national research facilities for studying condensed matter down to the atomic scale using both neutrons and muons. Both facilities have strong scientific user programmes with extensive national and international links. This has resulted in the formation of a collaborative project between ISIS and PSI, looking to further develop 3D printing of neutron absorbing materials to create useful components for neutron instrumentation.
We are looking to appoint a highly motivated research scientist to embark on a two-year postdoctoral position. This will be a shared knowledge exchange role between PSI and ISIS that will work between both locations, spending time at both ISIS Harwell UK and PSI Switzerland. The principal duties are to work with the science and technical teams to develop 3D printing techniques for neutron absorbing materials.
This new research position is an exciting opportunity to work at both facilities working in collaboration with scientists, engineers and technicians to develop 3D printing methods using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) suitable for neutron instrumentation.
Topics of research include but not limited to:
- FDM extruder technology (based on polymer)
- Choice of base polymer and effect of additives on filament and printed component properties
- Resin printing technology
- Testing different resins in combination with the fillers
List of Duties / Work Programme / Responsibilities
- Conduct high quality research using 3D printing techniques.
- Develop new 3D printing materials for neutron instrumentation.
- Evaluating the potential of RESIN printers related to abrasive additives.
- Performing neutronic measurements at SINQ/ISIS beamlines (BOA).
- Provide supervision for students and team members (dependent on experience).
- Disseminate research via publications and conference presentations.
- Contacts and Communication.
You will interact with a broad range of ISIS and PSI staff, and form part of our new collaboration between the two facilities. You should be willing to travel and it is expected to present your scientific work at meetings (both at ISIS and PSI) and other international conferences. Additionally, you will also interact with visitors, predominantly from higher education institutions and industry.
Please be aware that on occasions you will be working in classified radiation areas and in relevant science support laboratories and beamlines. You will also on occasions be asked to work out-of-hours when required, at night or weekends, and to travel abroad (attend conferences etc.).
The following criteria will be assessed at shortlisting (S), at Interview (I) or both (S&I)
Qualifications
- PhD in a physical science or related field (S)
Knowledge and Experience Selection Criteria
- Some proven experience in 3D printing (S&I)
- Experience of relevant software tools for 3D printing (S&I)
- Evidence of practical engineering skills (S&I)
- Knowledge in FFD printing (S&I)
- Experience and awareness of health and safety controls of relevant materials (I)
- Good communication and presentation skills (S&I)
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team (I)
For any further information or questions about the role please contact Doctor Robert Bewley Robert.bewley@stfc.ac.uk.
STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to:
- 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
- Flexible working hours
- An excellent average salary pension scheme
- Employee shopping/travel discounts
- Excellent learning and development opportunities
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.