Postdoctoral Research Associate - ultrafast spectroscopy applications

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join an exciting research programme in the research group of Paul Donaldson applying the newest techniques of ultrafast infrared spectroscopy to problems in heterogeneous catalysis. The position will provide the applicant with a unique opportunity to make their mark as an early careers scientist through the unique 2D-IR and laser temperature-jump projects of the research programme and through working on new and state-of-the-art HiLUX facility at CLF-ULTRA. You will have a PhD in the Physical Sciences and be interested in condensed phase chemical physics/physical chemistry, laser spectroscopy and catalysis science. You are an experimental scientist adept in the key aspects of spectroscopy. You should have experience in ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy, such as 2D-IR and transient IR, or a strong track record in applying other spectroscopic techniques to study catalysts combined with a strong motivation to learn ultrafast spectroscopy. Your main responsibilities will be:

• scientific research across several projects (lead and support roles)
• managing and modifying spectroscopy research instrumentation
• supporting the operation of the research group's lab and data infrastructure
• sample handling
• data analysis and write up
• supporting the group's scheduled user experiments
• writing scientific papers
• presenting scientific results at conferences
• contributing to the group, department and campus scientific culture
• working safely and following STFC H&S policies, We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
  
  The below criteria will be assessed at both Shortlisting and Interview
• a degree and PhD / DPhil in chemistry, physics or closely related subject
• experience in scientific instrument operation - maintenance, development, data acquisition and control software operation/development
• experience in an area of experimental chemistry or physics which (after training) provides the foundations for the applicant to confidently prepare solid catalyst samples in spectroscopy cells and manage the spectroscopy cell gas feed systems
• experience in spectroscopic measurements of condensed phase samples
• an interest in working in the fields of ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy and heterogeneous catalysis
• track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
  
  The Central Laser Facility (CLF) is a national laboratory at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) in Oxfordshire and co-located with Diamond Light Source (UK's national synchrotron radiation facility), the ISIS neutron source and STFC's space, particle physics and computing departments. The CLF hosts unique ultrafast laser systems that are some of the best in the world. The CLF has around 180 staff and its function - user facilities and international research - makes it a very friendly, outgoing and externally facing place. The CLF has a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), STFC is one of Europe's largest research organisations and operates at a number of sites within the UK, including RAL and many more around the world. RAL is home to about 1,200 staff that work with a community of more than 10,000 scientists and engineers mainly from the research sector, which spans the scientific spectrum including energy, security, materials healthcare, life-sciences and the environment to address important challenges facing society., 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.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible. STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant., 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 UK Research and Innovation (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.