Post Doctoral Research Associate: cryo-EM Robotic Sample Tracking

We now have an opportunity for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to work closely with Senior Mechanical Engineers, Beamline Scientists, and mechatronics contractors to test and develop process automation solutions for object recognition and tracking at small scales under cryogenic conditions. A computer vision system will be essential for the correct identification, positional error checking, and quality assessment of samples handled by the robot. This role is an opportunity to find and overcome the limits of what's possible with current vision sensors at the extremes of scale and temperature.

You will hold a PhD in an applicable discipline such as Manufacturing, Robotics, Experimental Physics, Computer Science, etc. You will have demonstrable hands-on experience with test set-ups and engineering software platforms such as Labview, MATLAB or Python.

As this is an experimental engineering project, creativity and adaptability, along with excellent communication skills, resilience, and independence are essential attributes. This project is an unrivalled opportunity to gain industrial experience whilst contributing your skills to pushing the boundaries of current technology for the ultimate benefit of human health.

If you have ever wondered whether it's possible to laser-etch microscopic QR codes onto tiny capsules for tracking robotic manipulation at -196 °C, then this may be the project for you!

Diamond Light Source is the UK's national 3rd generation 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. Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research., Together with several academic and industrial partners, Diamond has been awarded funding to participate in the EU-funded Fragments-Screen project which aims to develop new instrumentation, experimental, and software methodologies for Fragment-Based Drug Design (FBDD): (https://fragmentscreen.org/home).

Diamond is leading the work package tasked with developing a technical solution for automatically handling and storing cryo-EM samples, akin to the automated sample robots present on current generation macromolecular X-ray crystallography (MX) beamlines.

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.