ISIS Instrument Scientist

Salary: £39,748 - £44,166 per annum, relocation package available.

Hours: Full time, On call hours and Overtime occasionally.

Contract Type: Open Ended

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Together our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

Job Description

The core components of your role will be to provide a high level of local expertise to support visiting research teams using our Reflectometry Instruments (OFFSPEC, INTER, SURF), and to contribute to an active programme of scientific and technological developments. You will also assist us expand the research programme of the Reflectometry Group. In particular in one or more of the areas of soft-matter, polymer or biosciences research. The responsibilities of your role will typically be split between the three core activities of instrument operations and development, conducting scientific research, and visiting-user support, with a degree of flexibility in proportion, derived from your balance of skills and interests.

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a highly multi-disciplinary environment, so scientists are expected to liaise with other specialists to ensure that performance is maintained throughout the facility operations.

The role will occasionally require travel and work outside of the UK for short periods.

About you

We would love to hear from you if you are educated to PhD level in a science or related discipline, have experience in performing neutron or X-ray reflection from interfaces, and have knowledge of large-scale facilities instrument operations. You will also be able to interact and build relationships with key stakeholders and staff, as well as work collaboratively to support the team and the user community.

Essential Criteria

• PhD or equivalent in biology, chemistry, materials science, physics or a related discipline.
• Solid scientific background and clear potential of an independent or collaborative scientific programme that would make advantageous use of the instrumentation supported by the ISIS Reflectometry Group.
• Evidence of a publication record in relevant science areas: soft condensed matter, polymer, life sciences, etc. commensurate with experience
• Recent experience performing neutron scattering or X-ray reflectivity, at a large-scale facilities beamline.
• Medically fit for, and willing to, work in classified radiation areas
• Willing and able to: engage in manual handling activities; work with vacuum (mbar range) and pressure systems (kbar range); operate pendant cranes (SWL < 1tonne); use laboratory chemicals and cryogens; work with lasers (mW range); work with electrical systems (< 4kV or <600A) and high magnetic fields (< 17T); and, occasionally, work at heights via steps or ladders (< 3m) or in relatively confined space (~2m x 2m floor area), subject to appropriate training.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity and Disability Confident Employer

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business-support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible.

Closing Date: Friday 3rd February 2023

Customer advert reference: 2200012B

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