ISIS Instrument Scientist

Contract Type: Fixed Term, 14 months.

Location: STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire

Do you have an interest in exploring a career as a scientist within the UK National Laboratories?

Our team has a great opportunity for a suitably qualified candidate to gain early career experience as an instrument scientist. In this role you would work with us to support the science programme of the Disordered Materials Group of the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

We specialise in the use of neutron diffraction methods and modern computational and analytical methods, to characterise the structure of liquids and amorphous materials over atomic, molecular and nanometric length scales.

We are a small team looking for someone to join us who is highly motivated, wants to be part of a specialist group that undertakes nationally and internationally recognised science, and has an interest in supporting an active community of academic and industrial researchers.

At STFC we give you flexibility, freedom and the world-class facilities to allow you to focus on what you do best, and play your part in breakthroughs and achievements that will give you lifelong pride.

About the role

The core components of your role will be to provide local expertise to support visiting research teams using our Small Angle Neutron Diffractometer for Amorphous and Liquid Samples (SANDALS).

The responsibilities of your role will typically be split between the three core activities

• Instrument operations and development,
• Conducting scientific research,
• Visiting-user support,
• As an ISIS Instrument Scientist you will also be able to interact and build relationships with key stakeholders and staff, as well as work collaboratively. 

About You

• 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 Disordered Materials Group.
• Working experience of at least one large scale neutron or X-ray facility-based atomic/molecular structural characterisation or analysis methodology. Examples include methods such as:
  • X-ray crystallography
  • small angle scattering
  • atomic structure-focussed spectroscopies such as XAS, EXAFS, NMR etc.
  • development of sample environment for neutron or x-ray experiments
  • use or development of atomistic modelling techniques such as Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics.
• Evidence of a publication record in relevant science areas: soft/hard condensed matter etc. commensurate with experience.

Benefits 

We are offering a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday FTE (in addition to 8 bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days)
• flexible working hours
• an excellent defined average salary pension scheme
• Accessible public transport link/ free parking
• excellent learning and development opportunities. 

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. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 

Close date: 11^th September 2024

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