Research Fellow (103843 - 0921)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
Physics
Salary
£31,406 - £40,927 per annum
Location
University of Warwick, Coventry.
Vacancy Overview
Previous Candidates need not apply
Full time, fixed term position for up to 3 years.
The Department of Physics seeks to appoint an ambitious Research Fellow to join the Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics group at the University of Warwick. The position is available from 1 September 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter for up to three years in duration.
Your research goals will be related to developing robotics for applying THz imaging and spectroscopy techniques to detection of skin cancer and other skin conditions. Particular focus will be on integrating THz image approaches with a surgical robot, and speeding up and improving the accuracy of terahertz data acquisition.
You will be an excellent communicator capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a research team. You will possess excellent planning and time management skills to ensure your research objectives are achieved effectively.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.
Please direct all informal inquiries to Dr Emma MacPherson: [email protected]
Interview Date - TBC
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE
Undertake research in order to support the work of the department and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Work with project members in the successful execution of the project.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research and scholarship
• Carry out research relating to the development of robotic control of THz probes for in vivo imaging of patients.
• Design or use analytical tools to simulate and/or model terahertz data.
• Develop algorithms for accurate extraction of parameters from robotically acquired THz data.
• Write up research work for publication in refereed journals.
• Communicate (orally and in writing) research results, e.g. for conferences.
• Continually update own knowledge and understanding in research field.
• Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
• May contribute to preparing proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding to support a developing research agenda.
Administration and Other Activities
• Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
• Work within budget constraints.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but rather to provide guidance on the main aspects of the post. The post-holder will be required to be flexible in their duties.

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1
Hold, or be about to attain, a PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Robotics or related disciplines ) (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 2
Have experience using ROS and or other programming languages to control hardware such as vision sensors and proximity sensors. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 3
Proven track-record in medical device design and/or robotic systems, together with a proactive, enthusiastic approach to research. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 4
Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output (e.g. publications). (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 5
A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 6
Programming experience (e.g. LabView, matlab, C++, or Python). (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 7
Ability or potential to contribute to the development of funding proposals in order to generate external funding to support research projects. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 8
Ability to initiate, plan, implement and deliver programmes of research work to defined deadlines (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 9
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 10
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 11
An understanding of equal opportunity issues as they may impact on areas of research content. (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Experience in robotics and/or automation and control of other spectroscopy or imaging equipment. (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 2
Experience in analysing spectroscopy or imaging data. (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 3
Experience with lasers or other systems requiring optical alignment (a) (c).
Further Particulars
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars .
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website .
The Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics Group
The Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics group currently comprises 3 members of staff (James Lloyd-Hughes, Emma MacPherson, Rebecca Milot). Dr Lloyd-Hughes set up the Warwick Centre for Ultrafast Spectroscopy (WCUS) in 2016 which is a joint activity between the Physics and Chemistry Departments at the University of Warwick. Dr MacPherson joined the group in October 2017, and Dr Milot joined in 2018, further expanding the range of terahertz activities at Warwick University.
Further information on the Ultrafast and Terahertz Photonics group can be found at: go.warwick.ac.uk/ultrafast
The Physics Department and the University of Warwick are proud of their diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining an excellent record in teaching and research by ensuring that there is equality of opportunity for all, fostered in an environment of mutual respect and dignity.
Both the Physics Department and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN Silver awards, a national initiative to promote gender equality for all staff and students. The Physics Department is also a Juno Champion, which is an award from the Institute of Physics to recognise our efforts to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
Further information can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.
The University supports flexible working and requests for job-share will be considered where possible.
Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www.warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Other Information
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/ or are seeking sponsorship under for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system
please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Closing Date
27 Oct 2021