Senior Ion Source Physicist
Job Details
Full Job Description
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £51,500.00 to
£65,450.00 per annum (dependent on skills and experience).
Hours: Full time
Contract
Type: Open Ended.
Location: Science and
Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell,
Oxfordshire
Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist/Engineer. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers, technicians and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.
Group
The Low Energy Beams Group is responsible for providing beam 24/7 to the ISIS accelerator during user runs. In addition to our negative Penning ion sources we are also developing a state-of-the-art RF ion source and an Ion Beam Analysis facility. We develop plasma and accelerator technologies. We explore novel ion source and diagnostic technologies, and apply our expertise in a diverse range of collaborations with other national labs, universities and industry. We are practically minded, building and developing our equipment on two accelerator front ends, an ion source lab, and an electronics lab. We use simulation and data analysis tools to guide our experiments and design choices. We have an international profile in the ion source community, we regularly engage in conferences and collaborations.
Our varied and supportive work environment creates a strong group dynamic. The group is made up of physicists, engineers and technicians, and regularly works with engineering groups across STFC and with external partners to deliver hardware and develop understanding.
Role
A position is open for an applied physicist with experience developing ion sources and/or low energy beam systems to join the physics team. In this role you will contribute to all aspects of development work, making design and operational improvements to the ion source and accelerator front ends to maximise beam output, reliability, and diagnostic instruments. There is flexibility for you to use your expertise in any combination of RF, plasma physics, caesiation, beam extraction systems, beam simulations, PIC simulations, magnet design, ion trapping and instrumentation design. Additionally, the role requires practical experience of working with vacuum systems and high voltages. Experience in any of the following is an advantage: negative ion sources, heavy ion sources, programming, CAD, and multiphysics simulations.
You will be expected to help to support the new RF ion source for ISIS operations when it comes on-line.
You will be encouraged to form and maintain collaborations with external partners and relationships with suppliers, and represent the group at conferences, design reviews, and meetings.
Requirements
The role will be reviewed per the follow criteria at shortlisting (S) and Interview (I):
- PhD or equivalent experience in physics, engineering or related discipline and demonstrated practical laboratory skills working with at least one of the following: ion sources (positive or negative), low energy beam transport systems, plasma generators, ion beam diagnostics, ion beam analysis equipment (S&I)
- Demonstrated ability to work on more than one project at any one time, track-record of collaboration with other labs, facilities and universities (S&I)
- Good understanding of plasma physics, ion sources, low energy beam transport systems and diagnostics. Typically demonstrated through publications, theses and/or presentations (S&I)
- Demonstrated simulation skills of modelling at least one of the following: plasma physics or chemistry, ion beam extraction, ion beam transport, magnet design, electrostatic or RF systems, ion trapping, ion beam – material interaction (S&I)
- Good communication and team working skills, able to collaborate closely with employees at all levels and with external partners. Able to effectively represent the organisation in international fora (I)
- Ability to perform complex physical calculations and simulations to guide hardware design and pro-actively solve engineering problems (I)
- An understanding of the health and safety requirements relevant to the role (I)
- Willing to work in radiation areas and to be on call. (I)
Additional requirements to be considered for the higher Band F:
- Recognised ion source, plasma physics, low energy beam transport or ion beam analysis expert. This typically requires extensive experience working in the field OR leading a major project OR having collaborated/worked with a number of laboratories/facilities (S&I)
- The ability to design, develop and deliver ion sources and related technology (S&I)
- Experience of managing contractors and liaising with suppliers (I).
In the interview you will be asked to give a short 10 minute presentation summarising your research and development highlights.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit
You can also visit our careers site
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at .
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’ .
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.