Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
Friday, 24 July 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow
Academic Unit/Service:
ORC
Faculty:
Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering
Career pathway:
ERE
*ERE category:
Research focused
Posts responsible to:
Assoc. Professor Jacob Mackenzie
Posts responsible for:
None
Post base:
Office-based/Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Level:
4
Job purpose
To undertake research and development of two novel cryogenically-cooled solid-state laser systems,
frequency up-converted into the deep UV, as part of a novel Manufacturing instrumentation EPSRC grant. The
successful applicant will working with collaborators and end-users at the Cryogenics Institute (University of
Southampton), the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology & Applications (CALTA) at the Science and
Technologies Facilities Council, and Laser Micromachining Ltd. The goal of the project to build two
independent systems with significantly different operating regimes and then to begin to explore applications
of these novel lasers in precision materials processing.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
To develop and carry out research in the area of pulsed cryogenically-cooled solid-state
75
lasers. This will include opto-mechanical, laser system, and nonlinear frequency conversion
configuration design, laboratory experimentation, and the realisation of two prototype
systems for use in end application trials, support of these trials and critical evaluation and
interpretation of all results.
2.
Collaborate/work on tasks with a project partners, which may include time spent external
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to the university. Report periodically on progress within research project, both orally and in
writing, internally to group members, and project partners.
3.
Regularly disseminate findings by taking the lead in preparing publication materials for
refereed journals, presenting results at conferences, or exhibiting work at other
appropriate events.
5
4.
Contribute towards the generation and protection of intellectual property.
5
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
5.
% Time
To carry out administrative tasks associated with the project, for example, risk assessment 5
of research activities, participation in project meetings and documentation.
Implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting
Internal and external relationships

Direct responsibility to Principal Investigator

Work closely with other members of the research group and collaborate effectively with other groups
both within and outside the University

Supervise students if required
PERSON SPECIFICATION
How to be
assessed
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications,
knowledge &
experience
 PhD or equivalent professional
qualifications in physics or
engineering
 Detailed knowledge of solid-state
lasers, non-linear frequency
conversion, and opto-mechanics
with previous experience at
postgraduate or equivalent level.
 Experience in the design and
development of lasers
 Knowledge of Gaussian beam
Application
optics and resonator design.
and interview
 Understanding of spectroscopic
characteristics of rare-earth ions in
solid-state media.
 Track record of excellence in
research
 Detailed understanding and
knowledge of characterisation
techniques for temporal and
spatial properties of laser beams.
Planning &
organising
 Excellent organisational and time
management skills
References
and interview
Problem solving
& initiative
 Able to develop understanding of
complex problems and apply indepth knowledge to address them
 Able to develop original
techniques/methods
References
and interview
Management &
teamwork
 Able to supervise work of
technical staff
 Able to contribute to Project
administrative processes
 Work effectively in a team,
understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of others to help
teamwork development
References
and interview
Communicating
& influencing
 Excellent written and verbal
communication skills
 Effective presentation and
communication of scientific results
and ideas within the research
group and to external
collaborators
 Able to present to the wider
scientific community in reports,
peer-reviewed publications and
presentations.
Application
and interview
Document1
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Other skills &
behaviours
 Collaborative and collegiate
attitude
 Understanding of relevant Health
& Safety issues
Special
requirements
 To spend time at the project
partners laboratories as necessary
(potentially several weeks at a
time – to a maximum of 3 months
over the project duration)
 To attend national and
international conferences for the
purpose of disseminating research
results.
Document1
References
and interview
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JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Is this an office-based post?
☐ Yes
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further
information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☒ No
If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of
VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety
of the post-holder.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required
for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:

Frequent hand washing

Ionising radiation – laser light of various wavelengths

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling

Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods

Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)

Gross motor grips

Repetitive reaching below shoulder height

Repetitive reaching at shoulder height

Repetitive reaching above shoulder height

PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working

## Shift work/night work/on call duties
Document1
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