Salary: £41,344 - £45,479 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)
Hours: Full-Time
Contract Type: 3 Years Fixed Term Contract
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Come and discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.
As part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) the Central Laser Facility (CLF) contains many state-of-the-art laser systems and experimental stations, along with expert scientists, engineers and technicians that work with academic and industry users to deliver science across a broad range of fields. We have around 200 staff and are a very friendly, outgoing, externally facing department. We have a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.
About the role
The position is to participate in a research project to develop a novel concept combining Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) and ultrasound for enhanced chemically specific imaging deep inside biological tissue. The full-time position is funded through a recently awarded EPSRC grant for three years. The concerned work will take place at the Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire, UK and involves close collaboration with the University of Exeter (Prof. Nick Stone).
This post will be part of a team of leading scientists working to develop novel solutions to solve clinical needs in patient specific diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Specifically, we seek a postdoctoral research scientist to focus on the development of instrumentation comprising both SORS and Raman technology. Expertise in vibrational spectroscopy is essential.
The post will include design, construction, optimisation and day-to-day operation of the instrument. The study will be performed on excised tissue and optical phantoms. The applicant will have experience with data analysis of vibrational spectra.
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information orally, in writing and electronically and participate in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies.
A suitable candidate will be a PhD graduate (or near completion) in any of the natural sciences.
The candidate will benefit from working in a vibrant internationally leading research environment. Advanced training and researcher development will be provided as part of the programme.
Main duties and accountabilities
* To undertake research to develop the novel analytical instrumentation, including optical design.
* Writing up research work for publication.
* Making presentations at national and international conferences and similar events.
* Dealing with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
* Analysing and interpreting the results of own research and generating original ideas based on outcomes.
* Using new research techniques and methods.
* Using initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, developing new research methods and extending the research portfolio.
* To monitor research budgets as appropriate.
* To maintain safety in their research environment.
* Engaging in continuous professional development.
Person Specification
The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)
* A PhD in natural sciences (or within 6 months of completion), or equivalent experience. (S)
* Experience in using vibrational spectroscopy (Raman or IR) and associated data analysis. (S&I)
* Hands on experience in developing/aligning vibrational spectroscopy instruments (Raman or IR). (S&I)
* Having a proactive approach to work and to be able to use initiative to work within a scientific environment. (I)
* Able to work independently and as a part of a team. (S&I)
* Able to work to tight deadlines. (S&I)
* Safety awareness. (I)
* Excellent interpersonal skills, including communication, both written and oral. (S&I)
Additional Information
Further information is available from Prof. Pavel Matousek ( pavel.matousek@stfc.ac.uk ).
Our Benefits
UK Research and Innovation recognises and values employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability.
The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, Defined benefit pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance plus 10.5 bank holiday/privilege days and several other benefits.
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!
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. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs o r contact recruitment@ukri.org
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
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.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org .
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 UKRI .
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who opt into the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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.
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.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people - and more broadly to the world.
One of Europe's largest research organisations, we're trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we're driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/