Senior Research Fellow

University of Nottingham

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Purpose of role

The purpose of this role will be to lead and deliver individual and collaborative research in the area of microcrystal electron diffraction (microED) and make contribution to the direction of research programmes at the Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (nmRC). The post holder will utilise a complementary pair of EPSRC funded state-of-the-art, direct detection & high-performance electron cameras (EP/W006413/1), to be installed in autumn 2022 on two existing transmission electron microscopes in the nmRC, along with scanning TEM (STEM) diffraction system control, and an associated high-tilt, cryo-transfer holder (HT-CTH). This capability has been configured to facilitate innovative correlated workflows for low-dose, high-sensitivity, STEM-tomography, microED and motion corrected in situ/in operando investigations of a wide range of molecular materials and soft matter samples in their near native-state, enabling a broad range of interdisciplinary materials science research programmes at the University of Nottingham.

Main responsibilities

(Primary accountabilities and responsibilities expected to fulfil the role)

To lead, plan, develop and conduct individual and/or collaborative research investigations using microED and associated capabilities. Acquire, analyse, interpret and evaluate research findings/data using approaches, techniques, models and methods selected or developed for the purpose;
Be responsible for managing and/or monitoring assets and budgets allocated and the use of research resources to ensure that effective use is made of them. This will include training new users to safely operate and perform microED studies;
To establish a national reputation and regularly disseminate and explain research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and other appropriate media;
To build relationships and collaborate actively with internal and external contacts, nationally and if appropriate internationally to complete research projects and to advance the discipline;
To manage the application of a range of methodologies, approaches and techniques appropriate to the type of research personally being pursued. Where appropriate investigate and devise research methods and approaches;
To communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers, using high level skills and a range of media;
To generate income by developing and winning support for innovative research proposals and funding bids;
Be responsible for resolving problems to meet research objectives and deadlines;
Be responsible for the safe conduct of work within work area ensuring that the nmRC’s arrangements for compliance with the University Safety Policy are implemented.

Person specification

Essential Desirable

PhD awarded in an area related to the engineering, physical or life sciences;
High level analytical capability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity;
Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others, internally and externally;
Ability to devise, advise on and manage research programmes;
Strong organisational and project management skills;
Highly motivated, self-starting individual;
Calm and positive attitude in working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders internally and externally, sometimes on challenging and complex multidisciplinary issues;
Excellent problem solving, IT and organisational skills including the effective deployment of resources;
Experience in managing research equipment and/or laboratory space;
Practical laboratory skills and experience for microscale imaging and structure determination (including sample preparation, instrumentation specification and setup, experimental design and execution etc.);
Prior experience in the successful application and development of diffraction methods for microscale imaging and structure determination, e.g. X-ray or electron diffraction, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications;
Excellent understanding of microcrystal diffraction and experimental practice;
Track record of research and innovation outputs, i.e. peer reviewed publications, successful grants, data sets, software and/or equipment development, in the area of diffraction methods for structure determination, commensurate with stage of career;
Knowledge and experience in the application of computational protocols for crystal structure determination;
Previous experience within collaborative projects involving multiple industry or academic partners.

Desirable

A PhD in an area related to the microstructural characterization of (e-beam sensitive) materials;
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clarity on complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers, using high level skills and a range of media;
Knowledge and practical experience of electron microscopy techniques, with emphasis on STEM and microED;
Knowledge and practical skills of using cryogenic sample preparation equipment;
Proficiency in Python.

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Senior Research Fellow