instrument scientist

The role has two major components: the first is working with the VESPA lead scientist on the design of VESPA using ray-tracing simulations and on related areas such as prototyping components. The second is working on the TOSCA spectrometer at ISIS, the instrument that inspired VESPA. This includes supporting and collaborating with users to run inelastic neutron scattering experiments as well as conducting your own research program on instruments at ISIS and other neutron sources. You will work with international teams and will be involved with experiments covering a wide range of scientific research disciplines. The duties of the position include:

• Assist in the design and construction of the VESPA spectrometer
• Provide support to users on TOSCA, from proposal submission through experimental time to data analysis
• Conduct a scientific research program that includes the use of the spectrometers in the group (IRIS, OSIRIS, TOSCA and VESUVIO) as well as other instruments at ISIS and other neutron sources
• Contribute to developments and improvements on TOSCA, including on the instrument itself, sample environment equipment and data reduction and analysis methods
• Participate fully in the scientific life of the Molecular Spectroscopy Group, as well as that of the facility more widely
• Promotion of the Molecular Spectroscopy Group's capabilities with new user groups and communities, with a view to expanding the user base, UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
  
  We are looking for someone with relevant research experience and an interest in instrument design. In particular, experience of ray-tracing simulations (e.g. McStas, VITESS) and capability in using inelastic neutron scattering are required. You will work well in a collaborative environment and will have broad interests in order to work effectively with our users. You will have many ideas for your own research and will be able to communicate this with clarity and enthusiasm., Educated to PhD level in physics, chemistry, materials science, or similar discipline (or imminent award of a PhD) (S), Experience of design in scientific instrumentation or sample environment (S&I)
• Demonstrable potential (Band D) or proven ability (Band E) to pursue an independent research program (S&I)
• A fundamental understanding of the neutron spectroscopy technique (I)
• Computational skills, including a working knowledge of coding languages (e.g. C++, Python, Matlab) (S&I)
Other skills:
• Good interpersonal and communication/written skills (S&I)
• Ability to work independently and in a team (I)
• Good appreciation of the safety responsibilities of working at a research facility using neutrons (I)
  
  Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. Alongside world class engineers and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real-answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world! The European Spallation Source (ESS) is currently under construction in Lund (Sweden). Both the UK (via the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)) and Italy (via the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)) are partners in this pan-European project. As part of their contribution to the ESS, the CNR are committed to providing the indirect geometry spectrometer, VESPA, to the ESS instrument suite. ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and CNR are collaborating on the design of the instrument and to progress it further we are looking to recruit an instrument scientist to work on the design of the VESPA spectrometer. This is a fixed-term four year position and you will be part of the ISIS Molecular Spectroscopy Group., The ISIS Neutron & Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the STFC. Our suite of neutron and muon instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials at the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers and on to fundamental studies of materials. The Molecular Spectroscopy Group at ISIS operates four world-class inelastic neutron spectrometers: IRIS, OSIRIS, TOSCA and VESUVIO. They are used for investigations of the dynamics of materials covering timescales from the femto-second to the nano-second range and energies from μeV to eV. A wide range of disciplines make use of the Group's instruments. There are active research programs in catalysis, proton conductors, battery components, soft matter and biological materials. TOSCA is a neutron spectrometer that is optimised for vibrational spectroscopy, it is the neutron analogue of conventional infrared and Raman spectrometers. The users are predominantly from chemistry and materials science backgrounds. The science is wide-ranging, however, there is a very strong program in catalysis and gas separation studies. Please be aware that on occasions you will be working in classified radiation areas and look to on occasions undertake travel within the UK and overseas. Additionally working flexible hours when required due to business need will also be required on occasions., As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel. We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating., UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.


• 30 days holiday FTE (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• Flexible working hours
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme
• Employee shopping/travel discounts
• Excellent learning and development opportunities, Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.