Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
6315
Job title:
e2v Research Fellow (Two posts)
Reports to:
Head of Department via Head of CEI
Terms and conditions:
Research Staff
Grade & Salary:
Post 1: AC2 £29,853 - £35,646 p.a.
Post 2: AC2/3 £29,853 - £43,840 p.a.
Duration of post:
5 years
Working hours:
Full Time
Location:
Walton Hall, Milton Keynes
Closing date:
Friday 9 April 2010
Type of application form accepted:
Short plus covering letter & CV
Number of referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Priya Punchihewa
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January 2010
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2. Summary of duties
We are looking to recruit outstanding candidates into two 5-year Research Fellowships to
undertake research into imaging sensor technology in the e2v Centre for Electronic Imaging,
within the Planetary and Space Science Research Institute (PSSRI) at the Open University’s
Walton Hall campus. These postdoctoral positions are jointly funded by the Faculty of Science
at the Open University and industrial sponsorship from e2v Technologies Ltd. The “e2v
Fellowships” are 5 year research positions and are aimed at establishing early career
academics to conduct research and development into imaging detectors and their applications,
with the anticipation that the fellows would be competitively placed to secure permanent
academic positions during the course of their fellowship, subject to opportunities available.
Whilst the group has a strong background in the development and use of CCD sensors, we
are particularly looking to broaden this activity into the design and application of new CMOS
image sensors. We are looking for candidates who have the capacity develop strong research
portfolios within a broad range of imaging activities, and would particularly welcome
candidates with strong interests one or more of the following subject areas;
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The research and development of semiconductor imaging devices, particularly CCD and
CMOS imagers
A background in CMOS design, which can be applied to CMOS imager development
The development of detectors (CCD and CMOS) and instrumentation for space science
Research into the effects of radiation damage in CCDs and CMOS imagers
Simulation of semiconductor imaging devices and comparison with measurement
Development of instrumentation using CCD or CMOS imagers for example astronomical,
environmental or Earth observation science
Novel imaging technologies and applications
The Open University’s Planetary and Space Science Research Institute (PSSRI) is the largest
Solar System sciences research group in the UK. With previous space projects activities such
as Beagle-2, Huygens and Rosetta, the Institute is actively involved in R&D for current and
future space science projects including ESA’s Cosmic Vision mission concepts and national
and NASA programmes. PSSRI has 76 researchers, technicians and support staff engaged in
a wide variety of research strengths across planetary and space sciences. The Institute is part
of the Faculty of Science of the Open University and is led by a Director (Dr Iain Gilmour),
reporting to the Dean of Science (Prof. Phil Potts).
The e2v Fellows will work in the new e2v Centre for Electronic Imaging (CEI) within PSSRI,
which is headed by Prof. Andrew Holland. The group has a close working relationship with e2v
Technologies in Chelmsford, which provides a strong link to a world-leading industrial partner
for associated technology development, semiconductor device fabrication, and routes to
exploitation of the underlying R&D within the group. We have an aim to grow the e2vsponsored PhD CASE awards to a rolling 10-12 places in coming years to form a dynamic
training hub for doctoral students in various aspects of semiconductor imaging technology.
The e2v Fellows will be expected to play an active role in PhD supervision. The CEI currently
has four research-active PDRAs and 3 PhD students, and is supported by two technical
project officers, and works on a variety of Space Research projects, including Gaia, Euclid and
IXO (www.open.ac.uk/cei). In addition, the CEI is supported by several e2v staff who spend up
to 2 days per week on-site to support the CEI activities, provide training support and promote
knowledge exchange between the parties.
The e2v Fellows will be expected to develop their own research programmes in collaboration
with e2v on a variety of topics of mutual interest. The Fellows will have the opportunity of
working closely with the CCD and CMOS design teams, device fabrication, test and space and
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January 2010
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scientific applications groups at e2v.
One post is available at Academic Grade 2, to candidates who have recently completed a
PhD. The second post is available at Academic Grade 2/3 (appointment dependent on
experience) to candidates who have a PhD plus postdoctoral experience in a relevant
discipline (e.g. physics or electronic engineering).
The individual will ideally possess a background in silicon imaging detectors, have knowledge
of photon and/or particle interactions plus radiation damage and its effects in these devices
(CMOS and CCD imagers). Whilst the current activities of the CEI have a strong background
in space science, we would consider applications from individuals from other imaging
disciplines such as synchrotron or environmental and Earth observation imaging.
The e2v Fellows will be encouraged to build their own research grant portfolios and to
contribute to the supervision of PhD CASE studentships within the group. High quality
publications, knowledge exchange and novel application development leading to exploitation,
will also be measures of success of the candidates.
The e2v Fellowships give successful candidates the opportunity to develop
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Independent research in fields of scientific imaging
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The development of new experimental laboratory-based programmes
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To work on design aspects of new CMOS and CCD imagers
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New test methodologies and applications of imaging sensors
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New instrumentation techniques in imaging
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An opportunity to develop a good portfolio of grant income and published research
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The development of an industrially-relevant research activity with potential for exploitation
and wealth creation
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An opportunity to be strongly involved with the University, RCUK/HEFCE and
government’s Knowledge Exchange and Exploitation agendas
Other Duties
All staff are expected to:
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Comply with the University’s Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities policies in the
performance of their duties.
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Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other
person who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
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Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory
Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and
Safety arrangements are complied with.
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Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.
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Attend appropriate staff development events.
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3. Person specification
Essential
For appointment at AC2:
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A PhD in Physics, Engineering or closely related subject.
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Expertise in at least two of the following: semiconductor device physics, terrestrial or space
imaging instrumentation, environmental/earth observation imaging, advanced X-ray and
optical imaging device testing, space radiation damage, CMOS design
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A strong research and publications record (commensurate with stage in career).
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Very good communication skills (oral & written).
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Well-developed self-managed skills with the ability to prioritise work appropriately, deal
with a number of competing demands and manage own time effectively.
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A research plan compatible with the Faculty research strategy.
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Evidence of independent research funding (commensurate with stage in career)
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Ability to manage workload and deliver results to an agreed schedule.
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Ability to think creatively “outside the box”, and to establish new research initiatives
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Ability to network effectively with (and creating) national and international research
collaborations.
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Foreign nationals will be considered but must be from members of Multinational Industrial
Security Working Group (MISWG), NATO, Australia or New Zealand as a requirement to
site entry to e2v Ltd.
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Evidence of independent research leadership.
For appointment at AC3, candidates will also need to demonstrate:
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Relevant post-doctoral research experience
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A strong research and publications record (commensurate with the extent of post-doctoral
experience).
Desirable
Experience of some or all of the following:
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CCD and/or CMOS imaging sensors; (operation, test and calibration), X-ray testing of
imaging sensors, optical testing of imaging sensors, and the development of imaging
applications in synchrotron, astronomy, environmental, space or other fields.
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Electronics experience in fields related to CCD and CMOS imagers, including analogue
and digital practice, plus data acquisition.
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Experience in the formation of simulation software to model physical effects and form
predictive models to extrapolate performance.
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Knowledge of health and safety issues when working with radiation.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The Faculty of Science has four teaching departments: Chemistry & Analytical Sciences, Earth
& Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physics & Astronomy; and the Planetary and
Space Sciences Research Institute.
The Faculty has a staff of about 360, comprising around 115 academic staff (central and
regional) with the balance made up of research staff, course managers, laboratory staff,
technicians, administrators and secretaries. There are also varying numbers of research
students and visiting academic staff.
Science Curriculum
The Faculty currently supports 5 undergraduate discipline-based programmes; Life Sciences,
Health Sciences, Molecular Science, Geosciences, and Physical Science; as well as a broadbased Natural Sciences programme which is cross-disciplinary. At post-graduate level, the
Faculty supports an MSc programme which currently has 3 strands – Science Studies,
Frontiers in Medical Science, and Health Physics.
The Faculty also supports foundation degrees in Health Sciences (including paramedic and
operating theatre practice) and is developing an analytical science strand.
Science Research
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics that
brings together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas through three
major research groupings:
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The Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Biomedical Research Network (BRN)
Science Scholarship Research Network (about to be established)
Our research encompasses both 'blue-skies' basic research and applied research to find
solutions to specific scientific and technological problems. In addition, the Faculty of Science is
supporting a number of new ‘genesis’ areas where new synergies are rapidly developing in
response to external research opportunities.
For more information, please see our website at
http://www.open.ac.uk/science/index.php
THE PLANETARY & SPACE SCIENCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (PSSRI)
Head of Department: Dr Iain Gilmour
http://www.open.ac.uk/science/pssri/home.php
The PSSRI is probably one of the highest profile scientific research groups in the UK scientific
community having been instrumental in the development of Beagle 2, which was carried to
Mars aboard the European Mars Express spacecraft, and in the Cassini/Huygens mission, with
the successful landing of Huygens on Titan during January 14th 2005. In its joint assessment
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with Earth Sciences, PSSRI gained top grading (5) in the last RAE.
We investigate the origin of the Solar System, evolution of the planets and the conditions for
Life integrating use of spaceflight instrumentation with laboratory analyses and simulation.
Our expertise has many applications well beyond the bounds of planetary science attracting interest from a range of industrial partners.
We have a vibrant community of research staff and PhD students, with regular opportunities
for those interested in Planetary Sciences. Members of PSSRI contribute to a range of
undergraduate courses - reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of PSSRI research.
CENTRE FOR EARTH, PLANETARY, SPACE & ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH (CEPSAR)
Centre Director: Prof. Simon Kelley
http://cepsar.open.ac.uk/
CEPSAR aims to explore origins, systems and processes with respect to the evolution and
chemistry of materials that form the stars and planetary bodies, the processes and natural
systems that shape the environment of our habitable world, and the essential properties of a
Solar System that allows life to develop on one of its planets. Research in CEPSAR is focused
on 6 strategic research themes:
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Astronomy
Environmental Change (Past, Present and Future)
Natural Hazards
Planetary Geosciences
Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry
Solar System Exploration
A priority for CEPSAR's research is to investigate issues that are at the cutting-edge of
science, are topical, with practical outcomes to Earth dwellers and planetary investigators. Our
research will supply knowledge that ensures continued and improved habitability of our planet
by a better understanding of its processes (past, present and future). All this is set within a
period of rapid environmental change (the next 10 years may prove crucial for Earth) that may
influence the lives of our children and future generations.
Research in CEPSAR is currently supported through a variety of external funding including
from ESA, NERC, PPARC, The Wellcome Trust and The Leverhulme Trust.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Prof. Andrew Holland on +44 (0)1908 332 945 or email a.d.holland@open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Priya Punchihewa
on +44 (0)1908 655808 or email pssri-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
7. Where to send completed applications
Your application should include:
 Cover letter
 CV
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List of Publications and any grant income
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Short application form
1-page outline of your proposed research programme
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: Friday 9 April 2010
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Priya Punchihewa, Department Office Manager
Department/Unit: PSSRI
Address:
Faculty of Science
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: pssri-recruitment@open.ac.uk
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Professor Phil Potts. The other members of the
interview panel will be Dr Iain Gilmour, Professor Andrew Holland, and Mr Mark Robbins.
The interviews will take place on 20 – 21 May 2010.
The selection process for this post will include a presentation to Faculty members.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing data will not be accepted.
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