The researcher will lead the automation of image acquisition on the aberration‑corrected Spectra 200 (S)TEM located in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI). They will write code to automatically acquire hundreds of atomic‑resolution images of metal nanoparticles, which will then be input into machine learning methods for atomic structure determination. They will apply the automated methodologies developed to track the atomic structure of nanoparticles during CO oxidation, using a closed‑cell in‑situ gas holder in the microscope. Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with extensive experience of programming with Python for either electron microscope control or for analysis of electron microscopy images. The researcher will have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from researchers in the School of Computer Science, supervised by Prof Yukun Lai, who are experts in machine learning. Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in chemistry, materials science, physics or have relevant industrial experience.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published.
Responsibilities
* Conduct research on the automation of electron microscopy and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by producing measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and recruiting and supervising postgraduate research students.
* Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, including research funding proposals.
* Attend and present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
* Undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including planning and organising the project and implementing procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
* Prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
* Review and synthesize existing research literature within the field.
* Participate in School research activities.
* Build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.
* Engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions, etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School's profile, cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities.
* Undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and will enhance performance.
* Participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
* Perform any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Qualifications
* Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.
* Established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience in aberration‑corrected high‑angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope.
* Proven ability to use Python for electron microscope control or image analysis in electron microscopy.
* Knowledge of the current status of research in three‑dimensional imaging of nanomaterials.
* Proven ability to publish in international journals and present at national/international conferences.
* Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding or knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to develop applications to funding bodies.
* Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
* Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.
* Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamwork.
* Proven ability to work without close supervision.
Desirable Criteria
* Proven experience of in‑situ transmission electron microscopy in gaseous environments.
* Evidence of collaborations with external partners (at other Universities or industrial partners).
* Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.
Cardiff University is recruiting an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist to work on a new, exciting research programme. The Leverhulme Trust has funded a 3‑year project to enable automated determination of the 3‑D atomic structure of metal nanoparticles. The project is a collaboration between researchers in the Schools of Chemistry and Computer Science, combining cutting‑edge machine learning methods with world‑leading electron microscopy.
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