TITLE OF POST: Post Doctoral Researcher – Electron Microscopist
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Director of Bernal Institute/Nominee of the Director
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose Contract
SALARY: €37,750 - €46,255 p.a. (maximum starting salary €42,394 p.a.)
JOB DESCRIPTION
QUALIFICATIONS:
A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in materials science/electron microscopy/chemistry/physics/
engineering or a related discipline or demonstrably equivalent experience in a research environment
with at least 2 years’ experience in the area of electron microscopy applied to materials
characterisation.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
To manage and develop the electron microscopy suite at the University of Limerick, to support research
activity in the Institute in the area of materials characterisation and to carry out original and significant
research in this area.
DESCRIPTION:
The Bernal Institute (www.ul.ie/mssi, www.scieng.ul.ie/bernal-project) at the University of Limerick,
houses a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers who generate fundamental research on
topics of industrial significance in the fields of materials and surface science. The Institute currently
houses a Hitachi SU-70 scanning electron microscope with a thermal field emission source, back
scattered electron (BSE) detector, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), wavelength dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) and an electron back scattered diffraction detector (EBSD); a coupled SEMRaman system for simultaneous chemical characterisation coupled with high resolution imaging; a
JEOL JEM-2100F with a field emission source, including bright-/dark field imaging, a STEM attachment,
which simultaneously obtains bright field (BF) and high angle annular dark field (HAADF) images, an
SEI/BSE detector, an energy dispersive X-ray analyser and computer controlled 3D reconstruction high
angle tomography. We are currently installing a double aberration corrected, monochromatic FEI Titan
Cubed Thermis 30 TEM with analytical facilities (SuperEDX and QuantumEELS), which will provide a
unique capability in Ireland for ultra-high resolution imaging and spectroscopic analysis of materials,
and is expected to be operational by January 2017.
The Institute requires an Instrument Scientist to support the research activities of the Institute in the
area of electron microscopy. The successful applicant will join a team of five instrument scientists and
assume responsibility for management of the Bernal electron microscopy suite and support the
management of other instruments. The candidate should have a fundamental understanding of material
behaviour from the nano- to the macro-scale, the capability to work with complex materials
characterisation equipment and a track record of publications in the field of electron microscopy. The
candidate will have good communication skills and be expected to contribute to promotional activities of
the Institute both within the University and outside. Opportunities to teach advanced techniques in
Materials Characterisation at Masters and PhD level will be provided.
The successful candidate will report to the Bernal Director or the nominee of the Director and will
support the research activities of the Institute. The academic lead (Bernal Professor of Microscopy and
Imaging) will provide scientific direction to the candidate.
Job description
Research
•
Work with Institute academic members to solve materials-science orientated problems.
•
In conjunction with the academic lead, develop methods and techniques in electron
microscopy that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.
•
In conjunction with the academic lead and other researchers in the Institute define research
objectives and carry out original and significant research which supports research activity in
the Institute.
•
Ensure safe and efficient operation of the electron microscopy facility and sample
preparation equipment.
Income Generation / Funding
•
Work with Institute industry partners to solve industrially relevant materials related problems.
•
Contribute to Institute funding bids, as appropriate.
•
Input into identifying and securing research funding (with Institutional support as required).
Research Management
•
Assist in training of research students and others.
•
Organise and conduct meetings (e.g. user groups) to clarify objectives, develop team work
plans/timetables for research and support staff, communicate progress.
•
Develop and implement quality assurance measures.
•
Participate in the selection of staff in the Institute.
•
Plan and implement commercial and consultancy activities.
Write Up and Dissemination
•
Write up research work for publication.
•
Write up reports for industry partners.
•
Contribute to patents/commercial application (as appropriate).
•
Contribute to the dissemination of research findings in high quality/impact peer reviewed
publications, conference presentations and knowledge share events.
Supervision
•
Devise & supervise the work of students e.g., Final Year Projects and PhD Students, where
appropriate.
Policy & Standards
•
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures, relevant to
the role, provision of advice to junior colleagues on policy and standards. Training will be
provided.
•
Legal requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality data protection
requirements. Training will be provided.
Other duties as may be assigned by the Director of the Bernal Institute or nominee.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have:
•
A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in materials science/electron
microscopy/chemistry/physics/ engineering or a related discipline or demonstrably equivalent
experience in a research environment with at least 2 years’ experience in the area of electron
microscopy applied to materials characterisation.
•
Hands-on experience in electron microscopy and be able to train new users in this technique.
•
Demonstrable knowledge of materials science, particularly related to the areas of materials
for energy and environment, nanomaterials, pharmaceutical materials, biomedical
Job description
•
•
•
•
engineering and biomaterials, and composite materials.
Evidence of ability to work individually and as part of a team.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Potential to write research reports and develop research proposals in the field of materials, in
collaboration with other researchers.
A strong track record of recent publications in peer reviewed journals, with at least three
journal papers indexed on Web of Science.
Desirable Criteria
•
•
Experience in Raman spectroscopy.
Experience of working with industry partners to solve industrially relevant materials-science
orientated problems.
Job description