Post Doctoral Researcher in X-Ray Microscopy (10364)
The water window X-ray microscope project is an exciting new EPSRC-funded collaboration between the University of Southampton’s School of Chemistry and Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the Rosalind Franklin Institute (RFI), and the Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. The project will design and construct a lab-scale soft X-ray microscope for biological imaging using soft X-rays generated using ultrafast lasers and applying coherent diffractive imaging techniques.
As a Post Doctoral Researcher (PDR) at the Rosalind Franklin Institute, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team constructing a new laser laboratory at the Rutherford Appleton Labs (RAL) on the Harwell campus, the site of the Franklin, the CLF, the Diamond synchrotron, and the Ada Lovelace Centre for scientific computing, all of whom are working in the area of coherent X-ray imaging. The project will use laser-generated coherent soft X-rays for imaging at spatial scales between electron microscopy (EM) and optical microscopy. The research team, based between the Franklin and Southampton, includes laser scientists, physicists, chemists, computer scientists and biologists all working to develop imaging techniques within a supportive and diverse environment.
Key Responsibilities
This role will involve the operation of a new ultrafast laser laboratory on the Harwell campus for biological imaging applications. The applicant will work with the new coherent X-ray source to oversee the development of imaging in biological systems where the particular advantages of the source can be exploited.
As a Post Doctoral Researcher, you will also:
• Plan and conduct experiments, analyse and interpret results and supervised delivery of outputs (e.g. research reports, patent applications) related to the project.
• Work within a project team, contributing to wider projects around key Challenges.
• Make substantial contributions to research outputs including papers, patents and both internal and external presentations.
• Support and develop others including day-to-day supervision of students or visitors in areas related to your own research.
• Enhance your research through collaboration with other researchers and build and make active contributions to the exchange of ideas by building your own network.
• Understand, interpret, create and communicate appropriately within a research context.
• Develop your relevant skills and techniques.
• Be supervised by a Scientist/Senior Scientist in delivery of outputs, either in the context of a project or Challenge, or as an early career development fellow.
• PhD or equivalent in experimental imaging science or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental design and a positive attitude to cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Practical experience of optical, X-ray and/or EM imaging techniques.
• Experience in the use if phase retrieval in coherent diffractive imaging, ideally in ptychography.
• Using project management techniques to define project area and manage problems and conflicts.
• Remain current with recent advances in your research area.
• Work towards making a significant contribution to the project and gaining broader awareness.
• Formulate research questions and devise strategies to address these.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to learn new methods and expand research skills.
• Ability to use a variety or research methods.
• A flexible approach to your work, seeking guidance when needed and recognising risk.
• The ability to build support and collaboration to attain goals, working well across disciplines.
• An understanding of established standards of good research practice.
The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute for life sciences, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We work across disciplines, combining imaging tools with chemical and biological platforms to see life in new ways.
The Franklin operates from a purpose-built research facility on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Didcot, a unique community of government, academia and industry working to accelerate progress on key issues. The 700-acre campus is steeped in world-firsts, and technology and research are at the heart of everything Harwell does.
Our building houses both specialist laboratories, research scientists and operational staff within a state-of-the art facility designed to inspire our people in their work and create a welcoming hub for our collaborations and visitors. Our research values of adventure, novelty, engagement, and utility are drawn on and exemplified by the Franklin team through our collaborations with universities and industrial partners, both in the UK and internationally.
As a Post Doctoral Researcher at the Rosalind Franklin Institute, you will bring scientific knowledge and skills to deliver a specific research project and/or you will bring independent, creative science, or specific skills to a team delivering a project or program. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing reputation externally.