Postdoctoral Research Associate - ultrafast spectroscopy applications in catalysis

Taihan Cable & Solution; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a postdoctoral research associate to engage in groundbreaking research using ultrafast infrared spectroscopy in catalysis. This role is set within a leading science environment, where you will collaborate with top scientists and utilize state-of-the-art facilities. Your responsibilities will include managing advanced spectroscopy instruments and supporting the research group's lab operations. With a focus on innovation and discovery, this position offers a unique chance to contribute to significant scientific advancements while enjoying a supportive and flexible work environment. Join a community that values exploration and knowledge sharing, and make your mark in the world of research.

Benefits

30 days holiday

Flexible working hours

Defined average salary pension scheme

Employee shopping/travel discounts

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in Physical Sciences required with expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy.
• Experience in laser spectroscopy and catalysis science is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research across multiple projects.
• Manage and modify spectroscopy research instrumentation.

Skills

Ultrafast Vibrational Spectroscopy

Laser Spectroscopy

Catalysis Science

Experimental Science

Sample Handling

Education

PhD in Physical Sciences

Tools

Spectroscopy Research Instrumentation

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate – ultrafast spectroscopy applications in catalysis

Salary: £41,344 - £45,479 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)

Contract Type: 2 year fixed term contract

Hours: Full-time

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire

Excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral research associate to work in a leading science environment.

Discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join an exciting research programme applying the latest techniques of ultrafast infrared spectroscopy to problems in heterogeneous catalysis.

Your main responsibilities will include:

1. Scientific research across several projects (lead and support roles)
2. Managing and modifying spectroscopy research instrumentation
3. Supporting the operation of the research group’s lab and data infrastructure
4. Sample handling

About you:

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.

About the Central Laser Facility:

The Central Laser Facility (CLF) is a national laboratory at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory 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.

What we offer:

We are offering a fixed term position with a whole host of benefits including:

1. 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
2. Flexible working hours
3. An excellent defined average salary pension scheme
4. Employee shopping/travel discounts
5. Excellent learning and development opportunities

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work-life balance!

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn, and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.

Closing Date: 2nd February 2025