Polarised Neutron Research Technician

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £44,982 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

About us

The ISIS Neutron & Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford in the United Kingdom. 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 to perform research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals and health care to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis and polymers and on to fundamental studies of materials.

The ISIS Sample Environment (SE) group facilitates the delivery of the ISIS experimental programme via the provision of sample environment support to neutron and muon beamlines. Within the Sample Environment Group, the polarized neutrons section is responsible for the development of new polarized neutron instrumentation, as well as the provision of hyperpolarized 3He spin filters on three existing neutron instruments.

This instrumentation is used to investigate both fundamental and applied questions in areas as diverse as batteries and other energy materials, polymers, magnets, and industrial solvents. It currently consists of one scientist and one technician and operates the £1M FLYNN metastable exchange optical pumping 3He filling station, which uses high-power lasers to produce the hyperpolarised 3He gas required for neutron spin filters. Examples of recent projects include the commissioning of polarisation analysis on a neutron spectrometer (LET), and the replacement of the laser and optical systems on FLYNN.

About the role

The polarized neutrons section is now seeking a motivated and independent full-time technician to expand its activities. You will be involved in the design and development of new polarized neutron devices, their installation on instruments, and experimental support, all with the aim of providing leading polarized capabilities on a wide range of ISIS instruments. The diverse nature of the group’s activities and projects also means that you will also be encouraged to explore your own project ideas.

The below essential criteria will be reviewed at Shortlisting (S) and/or Interview (I) stage:

• BSc or equivalent qualification in Physics, Engineering Physics, or other relevant discipline (S).
• Work experience in a science or high-technology environment, particularly one involving hyperpolarized gases at large central facilities (S+I). Experience of instrumentation or technology development, either individually or in a team (S+I).
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the areas below (S+I):
  
  • Lasers
  • Vacuum
  • Cryogenics
  • Computer-assisted design in AutoCAD, SolidEdge, or similar software
  • Programming in e.g. python, LabView
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with ISIS staff (instrument scientists, engineers, and technical staff) and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team (S+I).
• High level of independence or initiative demonstrated by e.g. leadership of a project team or independent project work (S+I).
• Demonstrated examples showing the willingness and ability to take responsibility for one’s own objectives and the deliverables of a team (I).
• Ability to show a safety mindset, understanding possible risks and mitigations within ones area of expertise (I).
• Examples of creative problem solving (I).

Employee Benefits:

STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to:

• 30 days holiday (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.

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

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.