Total Scattering Facility Scientist

The Facility Scientist will manage the recently commissioned Small and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) facility at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast and leverage complementary strengths with the Disordered Materials Group of the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in Oxfordshire. They will support and grow the community of researchers making use of SAXS/WAXS and Total Neutron Scattering (TNS), particularly in the area of Liquids and Disordered Materials research, while developing a personal and collaborative research programme in an area relevant to the post.

The successful candidate will be expected to proactively engage with new users and members of the scientific community who can benefit from the facilities at QUB and ISIS. They will provide training and support both in pre-experiment design and during experiments, as well as in data analysis that makes use of the advanced research tools of the department and the ISIS Disordered Materials Group. The appointee will also assist in the development and expansion of collaborative links with other academic and research institutions, as well as commercial users, throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, and will develop and drive multiple strands of personal and collaborative research, evidenced by publications and funding applications.

About the person:

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences or Engineering, with experience SAXS/WAXS and/or total neutron scattering. Ideally, experience in the study of disordered materials using X-ray and neutron scattering.

Other essential requirements include:

• Specific, relevant and practical experience (which may include training) on scattering techniques, with emphasis on analysis and interpretation of small angle and wide-angle scattering data.
• Demonstrated ability to have a personal and collaborative research programme in an area relevant to the post which might be assessed through publication record, evidence of future research plans and programme, conference engagement, award of funding, etc.
• Experience of working as part of a team, as well as independently, with proven ability to multi-task, organise and prioritise own work with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to write proposals and secure funding and/or access to Large Facility research capabilities.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This is a three year fixed term post. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

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