Postdoctoral Researcher / Neutron Imaging
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- Science
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- 3 days ago Post Date
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- 240000GW Requisition #
Postdoctoral Researcher / Neutron Imaging
Salary: UKRI Band E £48,802 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed term (2 years)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire.
As part of a recently started collaboration between the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (ISIS) and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland, a work package relating to the development of new techniques for neutron imaging has been devised. This work package includes funding for a postdoctoral researcher, to develop energy-selective neutron imaging at both ISIS and PSI.
About us
ISIS is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences. Our suite of over 30 neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers, and on to fundamental studies of materials.
About the role
You will join the Engineering and Imaging Group at ISIS, which operates the neutron tomography instrument IMAT. As part of your role, you will seek to further ‘spectroscopic neutron imaging’ by utilising wavelength-dependent dependencies in interactions of neutrons with materials. You will be tasked with refining these capabilities, working closely with researchers from IMAT and the Advanced Materials Group at PSI, two established facilities for neutron imaging. With a keen focus on technical advancements, you will actively engage in hands-on work on instruments at ISIS and PSI.
This project can potentially improve quantitative image analysis for facility user projects, especially those involving imaging of hydrogen and fluids, such as water distribution in fuel cells, reactions of hydrogenous gases in catalytic converter materials, and many more.
List of Duties / Work Programme / Responsibilities
- Develop energy-resolved neutron imaging using a new imaging camera system
- Demonstrate feasibility and conduct high-quality research using the new techniques in a relevant science area
- Write beamtime applications for facility access at ISIS and PSI
- Disseminate research via reports, publications and conference presentations
The below criteria will be used for shortlisting (S) and/or for interview (I) evaluation.
Essential criteria:
- PhD (or thesis submitted) or equivalent degree in a material science, engineering science, physical science, or related discipline (S)
- Proven scientific or technical background in relevant field (S&I)
- Working experience of imaging with neutrons or X-rays, and analysis of large data sets (S&I)
- Effective communication skills both written and verbal to publish and present research to a science audience (S&I)
- Programming experience (I)
Special Requirements
The role will include occasional UK and overseas travel, including to PSI in Switzerland.
Employee Benefits:
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.
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
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.
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