Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow in Ultrafast Chemical Dynamics (Fixed term)

We are seeking an ambitious and creative experimental physical scientist to join our group as a founding member of the UKRI-funded Future Leaders Fellowship project 'Transition State Imaging'. The project will build an Anion Reaction Microscope, a novel anion spectrometer for time-resolved Coulomb explosion imaging experiments in our group's laboratory.

This instrument will generate a beam of mass-selected molecular and/or cluster anions and will image the ultrafast nuclear dynamics triggered by photodetachment of the excess electron, using a new high-repetition rate Ytterbium laser system. These unique capabilities will advance our fundamental understanding of chemical reactivity by extending the time-resolved Coulomb explosion imaging technique beyond unimolecular photochemistry and towards new chemical contexts, e.g. bi-molecular reactions, solvent dynamics, and electron-induced chemistry.

The candidate will be involved in:
- Design and commissioning of the anion reaction microscope
- Development of femtosecond laser beamlines
- Scientific investigations into nuclear dynamics of photodetachment from prototypical anions

The candidate must have (or be about to) complete a PhD in physical chemistry, chemical physics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, or a closely related discipline, with demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following areas: mass spectrometry techniques, ultrafast spectroscopy, charged particle detection/imaging, and/or scientific instrument development.

We are a new research group, and this position offers an unprecedented opportunity for the right person to make a major intellectual contribution to a unique research programme at the forefront of chemical dynamics. This is an ideal role for an early career researcher who is looking to apply their technical expertise and demonstrate their scientific creativity in a supportive and collaborative team environment.

The project is supported by partnerships with leading experimental and theoretical research groups and facilities in Europe (EuXFEL-SQS) and the UK (Universities of Birmingham-List Group and East Anglia-Bull Group). There will be ample opportunities for external support, collaboration, and space to allow the candidate to develop their own research activities within the parameters of the project.

The role is offered on a full-time (36.25 hours per week), fixed-term basis for an initial period of 12 months, but extendable up to 48 months upon mutual agreement. The salary band for candidates who hold a PhD at the time of commencement begins at £35,608 p.a. Candidates who have not had their doctorates conferred will begin at £32,080 p.a., moving onto the higher band upon degree conferral.

All informal inquiries are welcome and should be addressed to Dr Patrick Robertson at [email protected]. More information about the research group can be found at www.nurd.org.uk.