Post Doctoral Researcher in X-Ray Microscopy (10364)
Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a UK technology institute for life sciences, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We work across disciplines, combining imaging tools with chemical and biological platforms to see life in new ways.
As a Post Doctoral Researcher at the Rosalind Franklin Institute, you will bring scientific knowledge and skills to deliver a specific research project and/or you will bring independent, creative science, or specific skills to a team delivering a project or program. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing reputation externally.
The water window X-ray microscope project is an exciting new EPSRC-funded collaboration between the University of Southampton's School of Chemistry and Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI), and the Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. The project will design and construct a lab-scale soft X-ray microscope for biological imaging using soft X-rays generated using ultrafast lasers and applying coherent diffractive imaging techniques.
The successful candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary team constructing a new laser laboratory at the Rutherford Appleton Labs (RAL) on the Harwell Campus, the site of the Franklin, the CLF, the Diamond synchrotron, and the Ada Lovelace Centre for scientific computing, all of whom are working in the area of coherent X-ray imaging. The project will use laser-generated coherent soft X-rays for imaging at spatial scales between electron microscopy (EM) and optical microscopy. The research team, based between the Franklin and Southampton, includes laser scientists, physicists, chemists, computer scientists and biologists all working to develop imaging techniques within a supportive and diverse environment.
Key Responsibilities
This role will involve the operation of a new ultrafast laser laboratory on the Harwell Campus for biological imaging applications. The applicant will work with the new coherent X-ray source to oversee the development of imaging in biological systems where the particular advantages of the source can be exploited.
As a Post Doctoral Researcher, you will also:
- Plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret results and supervised delivery of outputs (e.g. research reports, patent applications) related to the project.
- Work within a project team, contributing to wider projects around key Challenges.
- Make substantial contributions to research outputs including papers, patents and both internal and external presentations.
- Support and develop others including day-to-day supervision of students or visitors in areas related to your own research.
- Enhance your research through collaboration with other researchers and build and make active contributions to the exchange of ideas by building your own network.
- Understand, interpret, create and communicate appropriately within a research context.
- Develop search and discovery skills and techniques.
- Be supervised by a Scientist/Senior Scientist in delivery of outputs, either in the context of a project or Challenge, or as an early career development fellow.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all. This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.
Whilst the role is a Postdoctoral Research level and requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who are close to completion of their PhD/DPhil qualification, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £36,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).
The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!
To be considered for this role, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above and submit a CV (to include full list of publications), and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please including information about your education and work experience.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially.
Closing date: Please be aware that applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled; therefore, we reserve the right to close this vacancy as soon as we attract the right number of applicants.
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