Research Associate in Time Resolved X-ray Diffraction and Spectroscopy

We seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on a solid state analytical chemistry project within the research programme ‘Dynamic X-ray Diffraction in Solar Energy Materials Design’. This 18-month position is funded by the Royal Society and will be supervised by Dr Lauren Hatcher.

The overall focus of the programme is to design new electrically active crystalline materials that display light-triggered property switching and to study their 3D switching mechanisms using cutting edge dynamic X-ray diffraction techniques. These materials are of interest for solar energy applications and, by understanding the structural basis for their photoactivity, we can rationally design new systems with enhanced functionality. Dr Hatcher’s group are developing state of the art time resolved diffraction and spectroscopy approaches to study these novel materials in-situ and in real time. They have created a Time-Resolved Instrument for X-ray Structures (TRIXS) that can perform dynamic X-ray diffraction measurements in the home laboratory. The Research Associate will drive forward the integration of time resolved X-ray diffraction with in-line spectroscopy measurements at Cardiff University. They will develop standard data collection and processing protocols for {X-ray+Raman} experiments, using Raman probe equipment recently installed into TRIXS. They will also work to install and commission other in-line spectroscopic probes into the instrument. This role will require the PDRA to synthesize and crystallize known photoactive materials for use as benchmark crystals, via previously established organometallic synthesis routes. Where appropriate, synthetic work may also extend to novel solar energy materials discovery. The PDRA will also contribute to time resolved experiments at synchrotron and XFEL facilities, including at the UK synchrotron Diamond Light Source.
 
Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in analytical solid state chemistry, or relevant industrial experience.

Further information is available at the following group webpages:
Dr Lauren Hatcher: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/1766425-hatcher-lauren

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Dr Lauren Hatcher: e-mail HatcherL1@cardiff.ac.uk; Tel. 029 2087 6364.

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact: Ms Caroline Pasmore (Chemy-HR@cardiff.ac.uk)

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1st September 2025 for 18 months.

Salary: £40,497- £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £40,247 per annum (Grade 6.32).

Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 20285BR.

Closing date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply.