Job Postings

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Postings more than one year old

Post Doc opportunity, University of Manchester posted 7 July 2010

Applications are invited for the above post as part of an EPSRC-funded collaborative UK-US research programme, which aims to use synchrotron x-ray methods to study the growth of nanoparticles. You will be based in Manchester, but this post offers the opportunity for extensive travel to synchrotron laboratories, in the UK (Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire), the US (Advanced Photon Source) and France (ESRF, Grenoble).

You should hold or be about to obtain a PhD qualification in physical chemistry, surface science or a closely related field. You should have experience of x-ray synchrotron techniques, ideally x-ray absorption methods, and associated data analysis. Some knowledge of electrochemical techniques and other structure/surface characterisation techniques, such as electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction is also desirable.

You will be a highly capable, motivated and independent researcher who is able to interface between the research groups collaborating in this project (which will also support research staff based in the US). You will be expected to take a leading role in the Dryfe research group including organising group meetings, presenting findings at international conferences and drafting manuscripts for publication throughout the appointment.

The post is funded for three years and is available from 1 September 2010.

See http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ABI341/research-associate/ for more details.

PhD Opportunity at Institute of Chemistry and Materials Paris East (CNRS and University Paris East, France) posted 8 april, 2010

Title : Synchrotron Radiation applications to Li-ion accumulators new materials : Atomic and Electronic Structures of Mixed Lithium-Transition Metals Nitrides Supervisors/contacts : A. Michalowicz (email : michalov@u-pec.fr tél : +33 1 49 78 13 39) and J.-P. Pereira-Ramos (email : pereira@icmpe.cnrs.fr tél : +33 1 49 78 12 79) Laboratory : Institute of Chemistry and Materials Paris East, UMR CNRS-UPEC 7182 ICMPE : 2-8 rue Henri Dunant 94320 Thiais, http://www.icmpe.cnrs.fr Financial support : French Minister of Research and University PhD grant application (june 2010) in the SIE doctoral school of University Paris East (http://www.univ-paris-est.fr) . (open to european students and non europeans with a european master degree) Description : Mixed Lithium-Transition Metals Nitrides, Li3-nxMxN, with M=Co, Ni ou Cu, n=1 or 2 (depending on the transition métal oxydation state)) and x varying from 0.1 to 0.45 form a new class of potential high capacity negative électrode materials. The reversibility of lithium insertion in these materials implies highly disordered structures with a high vacancy ratio. Thus, classical laboratory tools such as medium resolution powder diffraction and Raman scattering are unable to give a complete description of the local structure around the metallic sites. Following our first and recent XAFS measurements on static samples at Synchrotron SOLEIL, the study of these materials must be completed by a dynamic study in-operando, both by XAFS and by high resolution X-ray powder diffraction with the new tools developped on the 3rd generation Synchrotron facilities.

Data Analysis Scientist, Diamond Light Source, posted 15 March 2010

We need a software specialist with combination scientific data analysis experience and knowledge of modern object oriented software techniques to help us build world leading applications for Diamond Light Source users to analyse and visualize their data.. You will have the opportunity to play an important role together with our strong team of software engineers and scientists and a large library of in-house software to make Diamond one of the foremost scientific facilities in the world for the consistency, coherence and capability of its software solutions.

For details, see http://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home/Jobs/Current/DIA0551-TH.html

PhD Opportunity at GFZ Potsdam, Germany, posted 6 February, 2010

Helmholtzzentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Sektion 3.3 "Chemistry and Physics of Geomaterials", in cooperation with the Department of Mineralogy, Univ. Münster, invites applications for a DFG funded Project by PhD students. In the frame of this project the influence of the coordination of trace elements in silicate melts on element distribution processes in magmatic systems will be investigated. The coordination of trace elements (e.g. Lanthanides) in silicate melts will be mainly characterised by X-ray spectroscopic methods (XAFS, XANES, EXAFS, RIXS). These measurements will be performed at national and international synchrotron radiation sources.

Tasks: synthesis of melts and glasses, chemical characterisation of synthesis products; X-ray spectroscopic measurements with synchrotron radiation; Analysis of spectra, numerical simulation of spectra; comparison to results from molecular dynamic simulations; correlation of results with crystal-melt element partitioning data.

Qualifications: Diploma/master in mineralogy, geosciences, physics, chemistry or material sciences; experience and interest for experimental work, practical skills, ability for self-contained work organisation; possibly experience with computer-based data analysis (XAFS data); optionally experience with atomistic, numerical simulations

Start: as soon as possible; Duration: 3 years Salary: EG 13 TVöD 50% (ca. 1550 EUR before deduction of taxes etc.)

Infos: PrivDoz. Max Wilke (0331 2881415, max@gfz-potsdam.de ) Prof. Stephan Klemme (0251 8333047, stephan.klemme@uni-muenster.de ) Applications by snail-mail or e-mail: Dr. M. Wilke Helmholtzzentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) Sektion 3.3 Telegrafenberg 14473 Potsdam max@gfz-potsdam.de

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Missouri State University in Materials in Extreme Environments, posted 15 January, 2010

Missouri State University is accepting applications for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (Studies of Materials in Extreme Environments) for the Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science Department in the Center for Energy Frontier Research in Extreme Environments (EFree). Responsibilities are focused on the investigation of metal speciation and complexation, solubility and dissolution of metal oxides, and physical and chemical properties of metal oxide nanostructured materials and glasses (oxides and silicates) in supercritical aqueous fluids; the study of materials in supercritical aqueous fluids, under extremes of temperature and pressure, at the atomic to micrometer scale; extensive use of x-ray absorption (EXAFS and XANES) and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopies; micro x-ray diffraction and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. EFree is a nation-wide DOE-funded center, with participants from nine universities, six national laboratories, and one non-governmental laboratory, involved in fundamental research on materials in extreme environments that is vital to addressing twenty-first century energy needs.

For required qualifications please go to: http://www.missouristate.edu/jobs or call (417) 836-4683. Excellent Benefit Package. This is a limited term appointment for two-years. Salary: $34,000/ann. Please submit letter of interest, curriculum vitae, online application, research statement, copy of transcripts, & name, address & phone number of three professional references by 1-22-10. Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense. AA/EOE.

For more information please contact: Dr. Robert A. Mayanovic, Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science, Missouri State University, 901 S. National, Springfield, MO 65897. Phone: (417) 836-5606 Email: <RobertMayanovic@MissouriState.edu>

Scientist, X-ray Spectroscopy at DESY, Hamburg location, posted 12 November, 2009

The position

* Participation in the scientific work at X-ray spectroscopy beamlines

• Support of international user groups using X-ray absorption or fluorescence spectroscopy
• Possibility to develop own independent and collaborative research
• Further improvement of the experimental setup
• Conception and implementation of new methods and instrumentation

Requirements

* Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, mineralogy or related field

• Proven experience with X-ray spectroscopy methods (X-ray absorption or fluorescence) using synchrotron radiation
• Good experimental skills and interest in instrumentation development
• Team ability and very good English language skills

Full details, see the job listing at: http://www.desy.de/v2/docs/1257511440-e.pdf

Postdoctoral Position, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, posted October 7, 2009.

The Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University has an immediate opening for a post-doctoral researcher in the area of synchrotron based methods (X-ray computed microtomography, micro x-ray diffraction, micro-XAFS, total scattering) for characterizing precipitates formed in biofilms. Additional experience in inorganic chemistry, crystallography/mineralogy, and aquatic geochemistry along with some expertise in electron microscopy would be beneficial. The successful candidate will have to work with microbial live cultures. Requirements include a Ph.D. in chemistry, geochemistry, or a related field, excellent laboratory skills, written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work well in a group and to prepare manuscripts for publication in a timely fashion is essential.

The position is for 1 year with a potential extension of 6 months depending upon availability of funding and performance. Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae and a list of three references (with telephone numbers and email addresses). Application materials must be submitted to Prof. Jean-François Gaillard, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208-3109, Tel: (847) 467-1376 Email: <jf-gaillard@northwestern.edu>

Review of applications will begin immediately, but applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer.

Postdoctoral Position, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science at Missouri State University, posted 22 September, 2009

The Department of Physics, Astronomy and Materials Science at Missouri State University has an opening for a postdoctoral position. As a participant in the Center for Energy Frontier Research in Extreme Environments (EFree), the selected candidate will collaborate with Prof. Robert Mayanovic and other scientists within the center to investigate metal speciation and complexation, solubility and dissolution of metal oxides, and physical and chemical properties of metal oxide nanostructured materials and glasses (oxides and silicates) in supercritical aqueous fluids. The candidate will contribute to studies of materials in supercritical aqueous fluids, under extremes of temperature and pressure, at the atomic to micrometer scale. Extensive use of x-ray absorption (EXAFS and XANES) and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopies will be made for this work, but use of other synchrotron techniques such as micro x-ray diffraction and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism is also anticipated. Full knowledge of XAS techniques and use of synchrotron x-ray radiation for experimental work is desired. EFree is a nation-wide DOE-funded center, with participants from 9 universities, 6 national laboratories, and 1 non-governmental laboratory, involved in fundamental research on materials in extreme environments that is vital to addressing twenty-first century energy needs.

Candidates must have recently received a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Physical or Inorganic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Mineral Physics, or related field from an accredited college or university. The ideal candidate must be self-directed, creative and self-motivated, and be able to show initiative. This is a limited term employment position with a two-year appointment. Candidates should submit a detailed CV, contact information of three references, and a research statement. Evaluation of candidates will commence immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information please contact:

Robert A. Mayanovic, Professor Department of Physics, Astronomy & Materials Science Missouri State University Springfield, MO 65897

Phone: (417) 836-5606 , Email: (<RobertMayanovic AT MissouriState DOT edu>).

The Glenn T. Seaborg Center postdoctoral opportunity, posted 18 September, 2009

The Glenn T. Seaborg Center at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is soliciting applications for a postdoctoral position working in the area of local crystal and electronic structures of lanthanide and actinide intermetallics and organometallics. Research will focus on XAFS and PDF studies of radiation damage effects in plutonium binary intermetallics, in addition to the PuCoGa₅ superconductor. Other possible related focus areas include studying the relationship between disorder and magnetic behavior in lanthanide and actinide materials, and exploring homogeneous mixed valence and valence transitions in lanthanide organometallics. Other x-ray absorption techniques will be utilized for measuring certain electronic properties.

We are seeking candidates who have a Ph.D. (within the last 3 years) in experimental condensed matter physics, physical chemistry, or a related field. Experience in a local structure technique, while not essential, is preferred. To apply, see the full posting at http://jobs.lbl.gov/LBNLCareers/details.asp?jid=23539&p=1. Please contact Dr. Corwin Booth (<chbooth AT lbl DOT gov>) if you have any further questions.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Physics Department, Yeshiva University posted July 16, 2009

In September 2009, Prof. Anatoly Frenkel's group at the Physics Department of Yeshiva University in New York City will have an opening for a postdoctoral research associate position that will be funded for three years. PhD in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science is required. Additional requirement is hands-on experience with nanomaterial synthesis and in situ characterization techniques that include spectroscopy (XAFS, IR, Raman), x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy (HRTEM, HAADF-STEM, EELS). Prior experience with in situ catalyst characterization is a plus. The postdoc will support the ongoing nanomaterials research projects which include multi-technique, in situ characterization of nanoparticles, Quick XAFS experiments, development of new, combined catalysis characterization methods, and design of in situ reactor cells. He or she will be stationed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and work closely with BNL departments (Chemistry and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials) as well as the outside collaborators which include University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Pittsburgh. The research will be performed under the direction of Prof. Anatoly Frenkel (http://www.yu.edu/faculty/afrenkel) primarily at the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium (http://www.yu.edu/scc) at the National Synchrotron Light Source. Applicants should forward cover letter and CV, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Prof. Anatoly Frenkel at <anatoly DOT frenkel AT yu DOT edu>. Yeshiva University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium at Brookhaven National Laboratory posted July 16, 2009

In September 2009, Prof. Jingguang Chen's group at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Delaware will have an opening for a postdoctoral research associate position. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of a second year upon mutual agreement and funding availability. The postdoc will be stationed at the National Synchrotron Light Source and help develop catalysis science program at the recently upgraded (for combined XAFS/XRD operations) beamline X18A. PhD in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science is required. Additional requirement is hands-on experience in developing synchrotron instrumentation for XAFS and XRD, relevant control systems and working knowledge of UNIX. Prior experience with catalysis research is a plus.

The postdoc will support and advance new catalysis user program at this beamline that currently includes combined (XAFS and XRD) characterization of nanocatalysts under reaction conditions. The postdoc will participate in the ongoing upgrade of the beamline to perform Quick XAFS experiments, and in design of the in situ and operando reactor cells. Opportunities to run an independent research program in collaboration with the beamline users will be available. He or she will be stationed in Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and work closely with BNL departments (Chemistry and the Center for Functional Nanomaterials). The research will be performed at the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium (http://www.yu.edu/scc) at the National Synchrotron Light Source under the direction of Prof. Anatoly Frenkel. Applicants should forward cover letter and CV, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Prof. Jingguang Chen at <jgchen AT udel DOT edu>

• Postings more than one year old