Instrument Scientist

at  Science and Technology Facilities Council STFC

LOCATION: STFC RUTHERFORD APPLETON LABORATORY, HARWELL, DIDCOT, OXFORDSHIRE

Do you have an interest in exploring a career as a scientist within the UK National Laboratories?
We are a small team looking for someone to join us who is highly motivated, wants to be part of a specialist group that undertakes nationally and internationally recognised science, and has an interest in supporting an active community of academic and industrial researchers.
Our team has a great opportunity for a suitably qualified candidate to gain early career experience as an instrument scientist. In this role you would work with us to support the science programme of the Disordered Materials Group of the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
We specialise in the use of neutron diffraction methods and modern computational and analytical methods, to characterise the structure of liquids and amorphous materials over atomic, molecular and nanometric length scales.
At STFC we give you flexibility, freedom and the world-class facilities to allow you to focus on what you do best, and play your part in breakthroughs and achievements that will give you lifelong pride.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The core components of your role will be to provide local expertise to support visiting research teams using our Small Angle Neutron Diffractometer for Amorphous and Liquid Samples (SANDALS), and to contribute to an active programme of scientific and technological developments. You will also assist us expand the research programme of the Disordered Materials Group.
The responsibilities of your role will typically be split between the three core activities of instrument operations and development, conducting scientific research, and visiting-user support, with a degree of flexibility in proportion, derived from your balance of skills and interests. As an ISIS Instrument Scientist you will also be able to interact and build relationships with key stakeholders and staff, as well as work collaboratively to support the team and the user community.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Providing assistance in the operation and maintenance of a wide range of general laboratory equipment used by the team
• Representing the group in scientific fora, and actively working to further grow the Disordered Materials community
• Disseminating research via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Conducting local tours for visiting scientists and members of the public.
  The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a highly multi-disciplinary environment, so scientists are expected to liaise with other specialists to ensure that performance is maintained throughout the facility operations.
  The role will occasionally require travel and work outside of the UK for short periods to attend conferences, and out of hours work required for experimental programme support for the instrument, at night or weekends. There will be occasional work in radiation areas as well as within a chemistry/biology/materials-science support laboratory and work in confined spaces (2x2 m2 floor areas).