Laser Scientist

Laser Scientist
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
£31,305 – £34,028 per annum (depending on skills and experience)                
Full-time
Four-year fixed term appointment

Excellent opportunity for a talented Laser Scientist to work in a leading science environment offering exceptional employee benefits.

About us

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest research organizations. Through combining world-class facilities with major international collaborations, and some of the world’s most talented staff, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science and technology/engineering. STFC is one of nine partner organizations that have been brought together to create UK Research and Innovation (UKRI); an organization with a vision to ensure that the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

STFC’s Central Laser Facility (CLF) is the UK’s national centre providing scientists with an unparalleled range of state-of-the-art laser technology to carry out a broad range of experiments – from biology and medicine to material science and plasma physics. Our work is helping to inspire solutions to everyday problems and outstanding fundamental questions in science alike: from developing future energy sources and novel diagnostic capabilities for cancer and bone disease to recreating astrophysical events in the early universe in the laboratory.

About the role

CLF is now building a new laser centre – the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC). This £81.2m facility will use lasers to drive novel particle and X-ray beams, opening up novel biomedical and industrial imaging capabilities. EPAC will be world-leading scientific infrastructure combining state-of-the-art laser, accelerator and data management technologies. We now have an exciting opportunity for a skilled laser scientist with relevant expertise to join the EPAC team on a fixed-term basis.

As a laser scientist you will join the CLF teams working on the EPAC beam stabilization scheme and front-end systems. This will involve designing schemes to monitor the position of the laser beam and apply rapid corrections to ensure that the alignment of the laser remains stable. Working in the front-end system you will help with the development and alignment of the OPCPA systems used as pre-amplifiers for the main Ti:Sapphire amplifiers for EPAC.

We are looking for an experimental scientist with excellent hands-on skills to enable cutting-edge science at these laser facilities. You will join a friendly team collaborating to successfully deliver the EPAC facility.

About you

You will have a degree or equivalent experience in physics or a closely related subject. With knowledge of lasers and optics you will also have experience in the design or operation of scientific instruments. Knowledge in the field of short pulse laser generation would be beneficial.

You will be a self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently and within a dynamic, agile team environment to develop collaborations and working relationships.

Benefits

STFC offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies, a subsidized restaurant and good public transport links. Full details of offered benefits can be found on STFC’s careers pages.

To apply

Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.

Applications are received by UK SBS; to apply please click the apply button. Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000.

The closing date for applications is 13 December 2020.