We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work within the Spectroscopy Group at Diamond Light Source in collaboration with the UK Catalysis Hub, on the development of experimental systems and infrastructures for operando catalysis experiments with hard X-ray spectroscopies. The post holder will work on the analysis, design and commissioning of sample environments providing high temperatures and rapidly variable gas conditions, optimised for hard X-ray spectroscopy experiments and compatible with complementary analysis techniques such as mass spectrometry and/or FT-IR.
The post holder will also work closely with the engineering and scientific teams in the optimization of the beamline design to support the catalysis activities. The systems developed will be deployed within the user program in the Spectroscopy Group’s beamlines and will be designed considering the challenging requirements posed by the new beamlines and the upgrade program foreseen as part of Diamond-II.
The role also includes some support of beamline operations, within the capabilities and expertise of the PDRA and supported by other beamline staff. For operational support, the person will fulfil duties such as acting as point of contact for user experiments, taking part in beamline development projects and discussing experiments and data analysis with external users.
The successful candidate will develop their own research interests in the catalysis area with a particular emphasis on operando studies.
Responsibilities will include:
- Reporting to the project supervisor you will contribute to the on-going research within the group. You will be responsible for carrying out experiments, to fulfil the aims of the research proposal detailed in the Job Description and its appendix.
- Identifying research objectives and carry out appropriate research activities within a given timescale.
- Managing the day-to-day running of a research project.
- Leading in the analysis and authoring of scientific results in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Keeping up to date with latest results and international research directions, especially in the area of interest for the research project associated with this post.
Candidates are invited to propose their own research project, using one or more of the core techniques available at the group beamlines. The aim of this role will be to conduct world-leading research aligned to the strategic objectives of the group. You will also work with the Principal Beamline Scientist for SWIFT to develop experimental systems dedicated to catalysis research.
For more information and to apply visit https://vacancies.diamond.ac.uk/vacancy/postdoc-research-associate-catalysis-systems-development-484288.html