Job Description
Job Title
Research Associate in Z-pinch Physics & Plasma Diagnostics
Department
Department of Physics
Group
Plasma Physics Group
Location
South Kensington Campus
Reporting To
Prof Sergey Lebedev
Job Family/Grade
Research and Education, Level B
Working Hours
Not normally less than 35 hours per week
Fixed-Term
12 months, from 1st October 2010
Summary of Post
To study fast plasma implosions driven by MA current pulses on the MAGPIE facility at
Imperial College, and to develop and apply a broad range of advanced diagnostics
techniques including optical imaging and laser scattering. This will involve a high degree of
teamwork and some aspects of interdisciplinary research. The post holder will be expected to
support the Department’s teaching activities.
Main Duties for a Research Associate
-
To take initiatives in the planning and undertaking of research
To direct the work of small research teams including undergraduate and
postgraduate students
To identify and develop suitable techniques for the production of fast shock waves
driven by z-pinch implosions.
To design and construct suitable experimental system to be used on the MAGPIE
generator.
To develop and implement advanced plasma diagnostic techniques
To conduct data analysis
To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
To write reports for submission to research sponsors
To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats
To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
To draft publications and prepare them for submission to refereed journals
To submit publications to refereed journals
To contribute to writing bids for research grants
To provide guidance to staff and students
To undertake instruction of PhD students as agreed
To supervise practical work and advise students on techniques
-
To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in
support of research
To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider
community
To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
Other Duties for a Research Associate
-
-
To undertake appropriate administration tasks
To contribute to the Department’s teaching activities up to approximately half a
day per week during the academic year, as appropriate.
To attend relevant meetings
To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal
Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy,
Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register
of Interests Policies
To undertake any necessary training and/or development
To maintain safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the
requirements of Health and Safety legislation;
To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety
legislation and recommendations and attend safety training as required.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager / supervisor
Imperial College London is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principals set out in its
Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and
Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Person Specification
Job Title
Research Associate in Z-pinch Physics & Plasma Diagnostics
Department
Department of Physics
Group
Plasma Physics Group
Qualifications
A PhD and research experience in the fast z-pinch plasma implosions, pulsed power
systems and construction and operation of laser diagnostics, or an equivalent level of
professional qualifications and experience.
Knowledge / Experience
- A strong track record in plasma diagnostics development including interferometry
and schlieren imaging techniques and x-ray spectroscopy is essential.
- Experience of large-scale experimental facilities and interdisciplinary team
working is essential.
- A background in experimental HED plasma physics is essential.
- A broad range of experience with data acquisition and analysis, vacuum
technology, gas handling etc is highly desirable.
Skills and Abilities
-
Ability to develop and apply new concepts and techniques and methods
Creative approach to problem-solving
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of
people
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication
Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
Ability to assess resource requirements and deploy them effectively
Ability to encourage research culture in others
Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce
a high standard of work
Personal Attributes
-
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative
Commitment to meeting deadlines
Commitment to maintaining and enhancing facilities and training others in their
use
Flexible attitude towards work
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences/workshops and other meetings
The Department of Physics at Imperial College London
The Department is led by the Head of Department Professor Joanna D Haigh and is one of
the largest and most prestigious Physics departments in the UK. It has an outstanding
reputation for excellence in research, undergraduate education and postgraduate training.
We have a vibrant and internationally leading research programme that provides a broadbased coverage of fundamental and applied physics, that strongly supports interdisciplinary
collaborations and that actively fosters the development of new fields.
Current fields of research include astrophysics; condensed matter theory; experimental solid
state physics; high energy physics; photonics; plasma physics; quantum optics and laser
science; space and atmospheric physics, and theoretical physics. There are also
interdisciplinary centres where researchers from different groups or from different
departments collaborate closely to benefit from each other's expertise. Research groups from
the Department also enjoy a number of international and industrial collaborations.
We are committed to providing a positive environment that supports everyone in reaching
their potential and the Department of Physics is an Athena Silver SWAN Award winner and
an Institute of Physics Juno Champion. The College offers a range of benefits
including professional development, family friendly policies e.g. flexible working,
daycare provided by the College's Early Years Education Centre, and membership of the
College’s flagship sports centre ETHOS. The Department is located on the South Kensington
campus in Central London and is surrounded by cultural activities.
Further information about the Department can be found at
www.imperial.ac.uk/physics.
Further information about the Plasma Physics Group can be found at
www.imperial.ac.uk/plasmaphysics
Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your application, how
much you feel you meet each of the criteria.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.
Our preferred method of application is online via our website:
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/employment
(Please select “Job Search”, then enter the job title or vacancy reference number NS 2010
107 GA into “Keywords”). Please complete and upload an application form as directed, also
providing a CV and a list of publications, and the names of three referees.
Should you have any queries about the application process please contact the Plasma
Physics Administration office via plasma@imperial.ac.uk