Job Description
Job title: Research Officer in Dynamic Structural Science at the Research
Complex at Harwell (Post 1 – X-ray crystallography)
Department: Research Complex at Harwell/Employer UoB
Responsible to: Professor Paul Raithby and the Consortium Management Team
Location: Research Complex at Harwell
Duties and Responsibilities:
1.
To develop time resolved methods in molecular and macromolecular
crystallography using a combination of X-ray crystallographic, neutron diffraction and
laser techniques, primarily using facilities within the Research Complex at Harwell and
the adjacent Diamond synchrotron and ISIS neutron source (all on the Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory site). In addition to instrument development and carrying out X-ray
and neutron diffraction experiments, the work may include the synthesis of new materials,
their spectroscopic and structural characterisation and the use of computational methods
for the assessment of the structure/property correlations.
2.
To manage the Dynamic Structural Science Project on a day-to-day basis
including liaison with the other PDRAs and students on the project, with staff at the
Research Complex, and the whole Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Site, and with the PI
and Management Team on the project.
3.
To organise meetings of the Consortium Members, workshops on the project, and
meetings with the wider scientific community.
4.
To be responsible for the setting up of instrumentation and laboratory equipment,
for the maintenance and safe operation of the laboratories and work spaces allocated to
the project within the Research Complex.
5.
To be responsible for the management of day-to-day safety matters within the
laboratories and work areas assigned to the project within the Research Complex.
5.
To undertake visits to other synchrotrons and neutron facilities, worldwide, in
order to undertake complementary experiments to those carried out on the Rutherford
Appleton Laboratory site.
6.
To write reports, research papers and give presentations as appropriate for the
development of the project.
7.
To assist the Research Supervisor and the Consortium Team in the training of Ph
D students involved in the project.
8.
To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as requested by the
Research Supervisor and Consortium Team.
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable Assessed by
A/F
I
Qualifications
Ph D or equivalent in
Chemistry or X-ray
Crystallography.
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Post doctoral experience
in one of the areas.
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Expertise/Knowledge
Experience in molecular
and/or macromolecular
crystallography
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Experience in the use of
synchrotron radiation
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Experience of neutron
diffraction techniques
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Experience in synthesis
and characterisation
methods.
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Experience in instrument
design and development
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Experience in
computational methods
for data handling, data
analysis and quantum
chemical calculations.
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A knowledge of
spectroscopic and laser
techniques.
Skills
Excellent presentation
and communication skills
(e.g. in presenting
research results).
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Computational skills
(word processing, data
√
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T
handling).
Good organisational
ability.
√
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Experience of
management including
supervision of research
students and/or research
project management.
Attributes
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Developing research
record (through
publications and research
presentations)
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Initiative
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Ability to work
independently
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Research leadership
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Code: A/F – Application form, I – Interview, T - Test
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