Postdoctoral Research Associate - ultrafast spectroscopy applications in catalysis
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- Science
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- 21 hours ago Post Date
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- 2500009I Requisition #
Postdoctoral Research Associate – ultrafast spectroscopy applications in catalysis
Science and Technology Facilities Council
UKRI - STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE
Salary: £41,344 – £45,479 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)
Contract type: 2-year fixed-term contract
Hours: Full-time
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX
Closing date: 5th June 2025
We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join an exciting research programme in the research group of Paul Donaldson, applying the newest techniques of ultrafast infrared spectroscopy to problems in heterogeneous catalysis. The position will provide the applicant with a unique opportunity to make their mark as an early-career scientist through the unique 2D-IR and laser temperature-jump projects of the research programme and by working on the new and state-of-the-art HiLUX facility at CLF-ULTRA.
You will have a PhD in a relevant area of chemistry/physics and be interested in physical chemistry, laser spectroscopy and catalysis science. You will be an experimental scientist adept in the key aspects of modern spectroscopy. You should either have (1) experience in ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy, such as 2D-IR and transient IR, and a strong motivation to do research in heterogeneous catalysis; or (2) a strong track record in applying modern spectroscopic techniques to study heterogeneous catalysts (including zeolites, CZA, SCR and others), along with a strong motivation to learn ultrafast IR spectroscopy.
More information about the research group and the CLF HiLUX project can be found here:
https://www.clf.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/paul_donaldson_ukri_fellow.aspx
https://www.clf.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/Ultra_Facility.aspx
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. The CLF has a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest research organisations and operates at a number of sites within the UK, including RAL and many more around the world. RAL is home to about 1,200 staff who work with a community of more than 10,000 scientists and engineers (mainly from the research sector), which spans the scientific spectrum including energy, security, materials healthcare, life sciences and the environment, to address important challenges facing society.
Alongside an excellent working environment and comprehensive continued professional development STFC offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance.
To Apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and cover letter explaining their interest in the role and suitability for the role, and supply the names of two referees who may be contacted after interview.
Responsibilities
- Scientific research across several projects (lead and support roles).
- Managing and modifying spectroscopy research instrumentation.
- Supporting the operation of the research group’s lab and data infrastructure.
- Sample handling.
- Data analysis and writeup.
- Supporting the group’s scheduled user experiments.
- Writing scientific papers.
- Presenting scientific results at conferences.
- Contributing to the group, department and campus scientific culture.
- Working safely and following STFC H&S policies.
Essential criteria
- A degree and PhD / DPhil in chemistry, physics or closely related subject (S&I).
- Experience in scientific instrument operation – maintenance, development, data acquisition and control software operation/development (S&I).
- Experience in an area of experimental chemistry or physics which (after training) provides the foundations for the applicant to confidently prepare solid catalyst samples in spectroscopy cells and manage the spectroscopy cell gas feed systems.
- Experience and interest in spectroscopic measurements of condensed phase samples (S&I).
- Deep interest in working in the fields of ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy and heterogeneous catalysis (S&I).
- Track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals (S&I).
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.
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.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
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 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
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.
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 disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. 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.