Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for X-ray Optics

Diamond Light Source; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility in the UK is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to enhance X-ray optics and metrology techniques. The role involves conducting research, developing data analysis methods, and collaborating closely with beamline scientists. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and PhD, with experience in synchrotron experiments and programming. This full-time position offers numerous benefits including flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive pension scheme.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Public holidays

Defined benefit pension scheme

Access to nursery and sports facilities

Volunteering days

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Hold a degree in an appropriate Science discipline.
• Possess a relevant PhD.
• Experience in performing experiments at synchrotron facilities.

Responsibilities

• Carry out in-house research on X-ray optics and metrology.
• Develop experimental and data analysis techniques.
• Carry out experiments and analyze data.

Skills

Experiments at synchrotron facilities

Programming in Python

Programming in C++

Data processing techniques

Simulation of wavefront propagation

Synchrotron-based instrumentation

Education

Degree in Science discipline

PhD in appropriate field

Job description

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the well-established Optics and Metrology Group of Diamond on a 3 year fixed term basis, to work on the development of X-ray optics.

The Optics and Metrology Group at Diamond provides expert support to the beamline scientists in the design, acceptance and optimisation of beamline optics, and the development of specialised optical systems. One important area being pursued is development of the wavefront characterisation techniques and in-situ at-wavelength (i.e. using x-rays) metrology methods and these have been established on B16 - Diamond’s Test beamline.

This PDRA will further develop the methods of X-ray wavefront analysis and characterisation.

You will be required to work closely with the B16 beamline team and the scientists in the Optics & Metrology group.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out in-house research in one or more fields of X-ray optics and metrology
• Developing experimental and data analysis techniques and implementing them in the optics group and / or beamlines.
• Carrying out experiments, analysing data and publishing results.
• Providing support in areas of optics to the beamline scientists for specifying, procuring and testing of beamline optics.
• Presenting results and research at international conferences and workshops and in peer-reviewed journals.
• Advancing and refining existing at-wavelength metrology and wavefront characterisation techniques through the integration of innovative concepts.
• Developing and implementing methods for the measurement of source size and beam coherence for Diamond-II
• Developing and implementing methods for improving performance of hard X-ray micro and nano focusing optics with the use of corrector phase plates.

About You

You will hold a degree in an appropriate Science discipline, an appropriate PhD and experience in:

• Performing experiments at synchrotron facilities.
• Programming in python, C++, Matlab or a similar platform.
• Developing data processing techniques.
• Simulation or characterisation of wavefront propagation.
• Synchrotron-based instrumentation.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

The closing date for applications is 4th January with interviews scheduled for 20th January.