Job Description
Job title: Research Officer in Dynamic Structural Science at the Research
Complex at Harwell (Post 2 – XAFS Spectroscopy)
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 XAFS spectroscopy using synchrotron and
laser techniques, primarily using facilities within the Research Complex at Harwell and
the adjacent Diamond synchrotron. In addition to instrument development and carrying
out XAFS 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 liaise on a day-to-day basis 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 support other team members in carrying out X-ray crystallographic, neutron
diffraction and laser spectroscopy experiments.
4.
To assist in the setting up of instrumentation and laboratory equipment, to assist
in the maintenance and safe operation of the laboratories and work spaces allocated to the
project within the Research Complex.
5.
To be responsible for 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, worldwide, in order to undertake
complementary experiments to those carried out at 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 XAFS
spectroscopy.
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Post doctoral experience
in one of the areas.
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Expertise/Knowledge
Experience in XAFS
spectroscopy
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Experience in the use of
synchrotron radiation
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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.
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Skills
Excellent presentation
and communication skills
(e.g. in presenting
research results).
√
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Computational skills
(word processing, data
handling).
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Good organisational
√
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T
ability.
√
Experience of
management including
supervision of research
students and/or research
project management.
Attributes
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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