Postdoctoral Research Assistants in Pulsed Laser Synthesis of Functional Nanomaterials

UK. University of Bristol. University of Surrey.

Applications are invited for Postdoctoral Research Assistantships for a joint Bristol/Surrey EPSRC-funded project entitled “Pulsed Laser Synthesis of Functional Nanomaterials”. The Bristol candidate must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics or related discipline, and experience of one or more of: vacuum systems, PLA, optical or mass spectroscopy.

The Bristol positions is for 2 years, and will investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of atoms and ions in plumes used for pulsed laser deposition of carbon and ZnO nanomaterials.Salary for the Bristol positions would be £27,466-£30,913.

The project is joint with Prof S.R.P. Silva and Dr S.J. Henley in the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in Electronic Engineering at the University of Surrey, and will involve extensive collaboration with colleagues at the ATI. Extensive collaboration between the two centres is anticipated. There are no nationality restrictions on either positions.

Details for Bristol Positions

Main Jobs Purpose.

The primary purpose of the job is scientific research on the development and application of new optical, imaging and mass spectrometric methods for complete characterization of the mechanism of material growth by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) methods. The post-doctoral research associate position is funded by EPSRC and will involve the use of a quadrupole mass spectrometer, along with optical imaging and laser spectroscopy methods to characterize the densities and properties of ejected species that map into the deposited material.

Main Responsibilities

General tasks will involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.

Specific tasks and duties include:

• Design, construction and operation of a differentially pumped pulsed laser ablation apparatus equipped with an in-line quadrupole mass spectrometer, and facility for optical imaging and laser diagnosis.
• Optimization of mass and imaging spectrometer performances; interfacing to computer control and electronics for data acquisition.
• Application of the instrument to the study of laser ablation of a range of target materials, and as a function of process conditions.
• Analysis of data and preparation of results for publication.
• Preparation and maintenance of a website describing the research activities and providing a forum for sharing of research outcomes with collaborators at the University of Surrey.
• To present the research findings at national and international meetings and conferences, and to prepare research for publication in the scientific literature.
• To assist in the supervision of graduate students and undergraduate project students undertaking research in the Ashfold group, and contribute as appropriate to other projects in the group.
• To contribute to the routine operation of the Ashfold group research laboratories, including such tasks as monitoring the performance of vacuum, laser, and detection systems, carrying out routine maintenance (with the support of departmental research associates and technicians), and ensuring that the laboratories are operated in a safe and efficient manner.
• To contribute more widely to the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry section within the School of Chemistry, by attending and contributing to group meetings and seminars, and by undertaking teaching duties allocated by the Head of Section.

The Laser Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Dynamics, and Thin Films Groups, incorporating the research activities of Professors M N R Ashfold and A J Orr-Ewing, and Drs P W May, N R Walker and C M Western, is an internationally leading centre for use of a variety of diagnosis techniques such as mass spectrometry, optical imaging, cavity ring-down spectroscopy and photofragment translational spectroscopy in the study of fundamental chemical dynamics, plasmas and materials chemistry.

The research group currently consists of 4 post-doctoral researchers and over 20 postgraduate students with funding from an EPSRC Portfolio Grant, further EPSRC grants, and various industrial sponsors. Further details can be found at

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/pt/laser/laserhom.htm
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/pt/diamond/.

Person Spesifications

Relevant Experience, Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• A high quality undergraduate degree in chemistry or physics.
• A PhD or DPhil in Physical Chemistry, Physics or related subjects (or thesis submitted by May 2008).
• Practical laboratory skills in the use of some or all of: vacuum equipment, pulsed lasers, quadrupole mass spectrometer, optical imaging methods.

Desirable

• Practical laboratory skills in the use of all of: vacuum equipment, pulsed lasers, quadrupole mass spectrometer, optical imaging methods.
• Knowledge of pulsed laser ablation and deposition, thin film growth, and of plasma chemistry/physics

Relevant Qualifications

Essential

• Experimental research in physical chemistry or physics.
• Use of some or all of: vacuum equipment, pulsed lasers, quadrupole mass spectrometer, optical imaging methods.
• Design and construction of experimental apparatus.

Desirable

• Use of all of the following: vacuum equipment, pulsed lasers, quadrupole mass spectrometry, optical imaging methods.
• Use of electronics and computers for the control of experiments (e.g. LabVIEW programming).

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Essential

• The applicant must be able to work as part of a team on laboratory experiments, and to liaise effectively with collaborators in partner group.
• Good English language and writing skills

Desirable

• Experience in giving oral and poster presentations at research conferences or within a department.
• Experience in writing scientific papers.
• Necessary skills for assisting in the supervision of graduate students and undergraduate project students.
• Ability to guide the research activities of a group of postgraduate students and undergraduate project students.

In University of Bristol Research Assistant is categorized into Level A role. Role holders at this level are concerned with assisting an individual research leader or team to conduct a particular study (or group of studies). They will generally be involved in data generation and/or collection using standard and well-defined methods developed by others.

They will be working under close supervision by, and direction from, a more senior researcher, who will be ultimately responsible for the project. This may be the entry level for some staff who are expected to train and/or develop to take on more senior researcher roles. Role holders will be provided with academic and pastoral support within the department (including counselling on realistic career opportunities) and training will be available designed to develop their competences and to prepare them to take on more responsibilities associated with a higher grade.

You can apply online from here or download the application form. Please submit your covering letter and CV along with the completed application form.

Please note the following:

• The University of Bristol will only be able to consider you for this vacancy if you complete the application process outlined above – a CV alone will not be considered.
• Only include the information requested – copies of qualification, certificates, letters’ of reference, journal articles and any other additional documents are not required at this stage.
• It is important that you quote the reference number 13854 on the application form.
• The closing date for applications is 9.00 AM 5 May 2008

For informal enquiries and more information about the Bristol positions you may contact Professor M N R Ashfold Mike.Ashfold@bristol.ac.uk . Tel. 0117 928 8312

Details for Surrey Positions

The positions in Surrey is for 3 years, and will concentrate on developing sensing applications for nanomaterials grown by pulsed laser ablation (PLA).The Surrey candidate must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline, and experience of one or more of: electrical characterisation of materials, PLA, optical spectroscopy and physical/chemical/optical sensors.

Download and Email your application using the Surrey Application Form .

Informal enquiries about the Surrey positions can be directed to Dr. S. Henley by email to s.henley@surrey.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 9.00 AM 5 May 2008