PDRA in Electron Microscopy of Battery Materials

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

1 Year Fixed Term

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences. 

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in electron microscopy to join our team of expert electron microscopists at ePSIC, Diamond Light Source for a 1 year fixed term contract. This position is in collaboration with the Departments of Materials and Chemistry at the University of Oxford and is funded by the Faraday Institute’s SOLBAT project. 

You will apply cutting edge transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques to solve fundamental materials science problems in next generation battery materials. You will use aberration corrected TEM/STEM imaging, 4DSTEM, EELS and EDX as well as cryogenic and liquid-cell techniques to understand the structural and chemical properties of battery materials at the atomic scale. 

You will be embedded within the team of electron microscopy scientists at ePSIC under the direct supervision of Dr. Chris Allen and work closely with the groups of Prof. Peter Nellist (TEM) and Prof. Mauro Pasta (battery materials) at the University of Oxford as well as other members of the SOLBAT project. 

Further responsibilities will include:

• Reporting to the project supervisors, you will contribute to the on-going research within the groups at ePSIC and the University of Oxford.
• Designing and carrying out experiments to fulfil the aims of the research proposal.
• Attending scientific meetings and presenting your research.
• Participating in internal scientific and administrative meetings with scientific collaborators.
• Leading the analysis and authoring of scientific results in international peer-reviewed journals. 

About You

You will have an appropriate Science Degree or equivalent along with appropriate PhD and proven relevant experience. 

You will demonstrate experience in:

• applying cutting edge TEM techniques to the study of battery materials or other relevant system and have an excellent publication record commensurate with the current stage of your career.
• programming for data analysis (e.g. python, matlab).
• working independently and also to collaborate closely with a diverse range of scientists.
• FIB lift-out sample preparation methods 

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role. 

The closing date for applications is 16th February.

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