RESEARCH ASSISTANT/OFFICER (POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHER) IN EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY/CHEMICAL PHYSICS

11 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Swansea University

Department

Chemistry

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

United Kingdom

Application Deadline

8 Apr 2024 - 12:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

There are 2 positions available. Both will involve using the unique magnetic molecular interferometer (MMI) technique developed by the Swansea group to study gas-surface interactions.

POSITION 1

The researcher will work on a new EPSRC project (https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/X037886/1 ), led by Gil Alexandrowicz, studying the interaction potential between hydrogen molecules and a surface. The MMI setup has the unique ability to control and measure the rotational orientation of ground state hydrogen molecules before and after a collision. The measured interference patterns can be used to determine changes in the quantum-state of the molecule which occur due to the molecule-surface interaction and hence are inherently sensitive to the interaction potential.

The project will include performing quantum-controlled scattering experiments using the MMI setup, as well as interpretation work aimed at relating the interference patterns to the underlying interaction potentials. The theoretical aspects of the project will be performed in close collaboration with our partners from the Theoretical Chemistry group in Leiden University and will involve traveling to the Netherlands for training and discussions.

POSITION 2

The researcher will work on the recently awarded Future Leaders Fellowship project ‘Rotationally controlled reactions’, led by Helen Chadwick, which aims to use quantum-state control to change the rate of reactions of closed-shell, ground state molecules in collisions with surfaces.

The project will involve using and further developing the MMI technique to study the effect that the rotational orientation of the molecule has on its reactivity with surfaces for the first time. It will also extend recent proof of concept measurements on molecule-surface energy transfer, to investigate whether this is also dependent on the rotational orientation of the molecule. The project will combine performing both experimental work and computational work to analyse the data, as well as developing both the experimental and analytical methods that will be used throughout.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

We have an under-representation of women in the area of research and would particularly welcome applications from women for this position. We also have an under representation of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and would encourage applications from these groups. Appointments will always be made on merit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please include a description of how you meet the essential (and desirable) criteria given in the attached job description in the cover letter, and the contact details of two referees either in the CV or cover letter.

All applicants will be considered for the positions on both projects unless you state otherwise. If you only wish to apply for the position on one of the projects, please also state this in your cover letter.

Interview dates will be determined by candidate availability.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Gil Alexandrowicz ([email protected] ) for position 1 or Helen Chadwick ([email protected] ) for position 2.  

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Research Officer

Essential criteria:

A PhD in a research field related to physical chemistry, chemical physics or physics and post-doctoral experimental research experience in the fields of surface science and/or molecular beam experiments.

Experimental research experience with complex and/or custom designed scientific apparatus. 

Evidence of the capacity for active engagement in designing research and writing, or contributing to writing, applications for external research funding.

Evidence of active engagement, personal role, and contribution to writing and publishing research papers, particularly for refereed journals.

Ability to demonstrate significant independence of focus and direction in research – determining ‘what, why, when and with whom’ to progress work.

Experience using vacuum and cryogenic technology.

Experience of supervising undergraduate or postgraduate student projects.

A commitment to continuous professional development.

Research Assistant

Essential Criteria:

A PhD in a research field related to physical chemistry, chemical physics or physics.

Experimental research experience with complex and/or custom designed scientific apparatus.   

Evidence of the ability to actively engage in and contribute to writing and publishing research papers, particularly for refereed journals.

A demonstrable ability to conduct research in line with the objectives of the project.

Evidence of planning skills to contribute to the research project.

A commitment to continuous professional development.

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

2

Company/Institute

Swansea University

Country

Western Europe

State/Province

United Kingdom

City

Swansea

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/jobs-at-swansea/current-vacancies/details/?opening-id…

Contact

City

Swansea

Website

http://www.swansea.ac.uk/jobs

Street

Singleton Campus

Postal Code

SA1 8EN

E-Mail

[email protected]
[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED