Laser Scientist (Short Pulse Characterisation and Probes)

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire

Salary: £39,748 - £44,166 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)

Full time

Fixed Term 3 Years

Based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) the Central Laser Facility (CLF) is building a new laser centre - the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC) and is seeking new team members to help to build this and to contribute to our existing facilities. EPAC is an £81M facility that will use lasers developed by our team to drive new types of novel particle and radiation beams that can be applied to a wide range of problems in science and industry. We are looking for people like you, scientists at all stages of their careers to be a part of our friendly and enthusiastic team.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled laser scientist with relevant expertise to join the EPAC team on a fixed term basis. As a laser scientist you will make significant contributions to the design and implementation of short pulse laser diagnostics and probe beams for the EPAC project. You will be involved in designing schemes to monitor the position of the laser beam and apply rapid corrections to ensure that the alignment of the laser remains stable.

This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging scientist to develop further: the successful candidate will have a stimulating work environment with exposure to cutting-edge laser plasma technology and fantastic prospects to do collaborative work with some of the world-leading groups in the field.

About You

With a degree (or equivalent) in physics or a closely related subject, you will also have a PhD in physics or have equivalent relevant experience.

You will need to be experienced in the design of short pulse systems and a sound understanding of the underlying principles. You will also need a good understanding of short pulse propagation and characterisation. It would also be an advantage if you had experience of working with large aperture optics and or laser systems with high average power.

The role requires the candidate to be self-motivated, to work well in a team and to be able to operate independently. You will work closely with research scientists, electrical engineers and leading university research groups from Europe and the UK.

You will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a highly organised approach to work, be innovative and inquisitive, with a desire to gain new skills in a broad range of areas.

Employee Benefits:

We are offering a fixed term position that provide a whole host of family friendly benefits including; 30 days holiday (in addition to bank holidays), an excellent pension scheme, employee shopping/travel discounts, a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

The closing date for applications is 18th July 2021, however applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.