Post-doc position at RFI: Low Voltage Ptychography

26/02/2021 | Job positions

Post-doc position at RFI: Low Voltage Ptychography

Post-doc position at Rosalind Franklin Institute
Post-doc position at Rosalind Franklin Institute

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (Oxfordshire, England) offers a  postdoctoral  opportunity  in  the field  of  Low Voltage Ptychography.

Deadline for applications: March 18th, 2021.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

As a postdoctoral scientist within the correlated imaging theme of the Franklin, you will develop electron Ptychography for imaging of biological samples. It has been shown by Henderson and Rousseau that for conventional phase contrast TEM imaging lower voltages have advantages in many instances. You will explore the merits of Ptychography at different voltages for both small molecules and also for large scale cellular structures. State of the art ptychographic reconstruction algorithms will be employed and extended to optimise the reconstruction process to minimise radiation damage. You may also explore the use of non-standard (sparse) acquisition modes working with other staff at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. A key part of the role will be to collaborate with staff at the electron Physical Sciences Imaging Centre (ePSIC) who are also developing optimised Ptychographic methods applied to materials science.

The post holder will report to Dr Emanuela Liberti, Staff Scientist at the Franklin, and ultimately to Dr Judy Kim Deputy Science Director at the Franklin and Professor Angus Kirkland, Science Director at the Franklin. Work at ePSIC will be in collaboration with Dr Chris Allen, Principal Staff Scientist.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participate in all aspects of the methodology development and its application.
  • Develop the scientific scope of individual projects, formulate relevant research questions, conduct individual independent research, analysing detailed and quantitative data, and generate original ideas by building on existing concepts.
  • Design and perform experiments on microscopes at the Franklin and at ePSIC.
  • Develop a workflow for Ptychographic reconstruction of biological systems.
  • Present findings at national and international meetings/conferences and keep up to date with developments in the field.
  • Publish research articles in leading academic journals.
  • Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Franklin.
  • Foster collaborations with staff at ePSIC
  • Work with others in a safe and timely manner considering all those who will be affected by your work.
  • Any other duties that arise in the normal running of the Franklin and that can be reasonably requested of the post holder.
  • The above job description reflects the present requirements of the post, and as duties and responsibilities change/develop, the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post-holder.  

EXPECTED PROFILE

Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in Physics, Materials or another cognate subject with extensive experience in Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ideally using aberration corrected instruments

Research Skills - Essential

  • A demonstrated ability to identify critical research questions, and to develop experimental and computational / theoretical strategies to address these
  • Ability to discuss, coordinate, and lead complex experiments and data analysis with colleagues from a variety of different disciplines
  • Practical and / or computational and theoretical expertise in advanced (ideally aberration corrected) scanning transmission electron microscope operation and technique development

Research Skills - Desirable

  • Preparation of cryo-TEM specimens
  • Knowledge of electron Ptychography or related phase retrieval methods

Cognate Skills - Essential

  • Ability to analyse and write up results to publication standard
  • Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary research environment
  • Willingness to travel for training, dissemination of your work and collaboration

Personal Qualities

  • Commitment to science driven high quality research
  • Ability to work collaboratively and as part of an interdisciplinary team

IN RETURN

  • Full time – 4 years’ fixed term contract
  • Salary : £33,000 - £39,000 per annum
  • 25 days holidays
  • Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
  • Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
  • Bus pass discount scheme
  • Access to employee discount platform
  • Subsidised canteen
  • Free on-site parking
  • Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

APPLICATIONS

  • A cover letter, CV and completed application form are required for this position
    Incomplete applications cannot be considered
  • Deadline: 18th March 2021 at 9:00am

USEFUL LINKS