Last Date: 24-Dec-2023.
The Role and Department
The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the top UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Ranked in the top 10 in REF2022 in terms of power, 96% of Durham Physics research was considered either to be of “internationally excellent quality” or “world leading”.
The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, flexible and/or part time working hours, shared parental leave policy and childcare provision.
Applications are invited for a 12-month PDRA position within the Department’s Centre for Advanced Instrumentation linked very closely with the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy to lead the evaluation and development of a novel concept of interferometer for potential use in astronomical observations. The majority of the work will be undertaken within a suitably equipped laboratory within the Department of Physics under the direct supervision of Prof John Girkin and Dr Ryan Cooke. The aim of the work is to evaluate the new concept in instrumentation and to determine the potential limits of the methodology with the longer-term aim of obtaining funding to subsequently build a trial instrument.
The post holder will be required to work in the laboratory with minimal supervision to set up an optical system using near infrared lasers and the ability to design optical mounting methods for the new device. They will also need to be able to develop software to enable computer control of the experiment in particular control of the light beam and movement of the interferometer and the subsequent recording of data. This code is likely to be written in Python, LabView or MATLAB as required by the specific technical requirements and expertise of the successful applicant.
Outside the laboratory environment the post holder will be required to develop software to analyse the data and also to subsequently model the potential performance of the new device in an astronomical setting in collaboration with Dr Cooke. The successful applicant will also be expected to take the lead in the instrumentation aspect of any subsequent publications and conference presentations.
Key responsibilities
- To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
- To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
- To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
- To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
- To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
- To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
- To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
- To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
- To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
- To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
- To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
- To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
- To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
- To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
- To develop the experimental approach required to deliver the project in collaboration with the PI and grant holder.
- To work on models of the future performance of instrumentation based upon the new instrumentation.
The post is for a fixed term of 12 months linked to Dr Cooke’s Royal Society Fellowship. If the new approach proves to be successful, then the applicant will be involved in helping to write funding applications to continue the research in this area.
The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st February.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:
- 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
- The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
- Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
- Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
- Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
- A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
- If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.
We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.
If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.
The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
Contact Information
Department contact for academic-related enquiries
All enquiries for further information should be sent to:
Prof John Girkin
Department of Physics
Durham University
South Road
Durham, DH1 3LE
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0191 334 3589
Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application
If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to [email protected]
Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).
How to Apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
What to Submit
All applicants are asked to submit:
- A CV and;
- A cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
Next Steps
Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a tour around the laboratories, if interview is in person, and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place in early January 2024.
In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
Qualifications
1. A good first degree in physics or a related subject.
2. A PhD (or to have submitted their thesis) in optical instrumentation or a related subject.
Experience
3. Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
4. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly ranked journals.
5. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
6. Experience in design and building of optical systems within the laboratory including computer control of the experiment.
7. Demonstrable experience of building software simulations of experimental systems.
Skills
8. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
9. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Criteria
Experience
11. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
12. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
13. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
14. Experience in conveying optical instrumentation to non-specialists.
Skills
15. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.
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