Job Purpose
You will make a leading contribution to the research programme into optical coatings for gravitational wave detectors funded by an STFC Infrastructure Award, working with Dr Iain Martin and Professor Sheila Rowan in the Institute for Gravitational Research (IGR). The position is available for one year. This work will involve investigation of both the optical and thermal noise properties of mirror coatings, with a focus on upscaling coating deposition for large-area mirrors as required for the next generation of gravitational wave detectors. The job requires expert knowledge of materials characterisation techniques for precision measurement applications. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co-Investigator:
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Contribute to and extend the IGR's existing programme of research into the development and characterisation of optical coatings for use in future gravitational wave detectors.
3. Contribute to the acquisition, set up, maintenance and integration of experimental apparatus, with particular focus on the development and characterisation of large-area optical coatings
4. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
5. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
6. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
7. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
8. Assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
9. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
10. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
11. Take part in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
12. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project.
13. Make a contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
14. Be aware of safety management related to the organisation and running of Laboratory and/or Experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.
15. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
16. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
17. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.
18. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan, World Changers Together
These are all tasks or duties which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)
A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of materials characterisation techniques relevant to gravitational wave detector development
A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism
Desirable:
B1 Knowledge of specialist software for instrument control, data analysis or modelling (e.g. Matlab, Python or equivalent, Ansys/COMSOL)
B2 Practical and theoretical knowledge of optical coating deposition techniques
B3 Practical and theoretical knowledge of optical characterisation techniques for thin-films e.g. ellipsometry, photo-thermal common-path interferometry, photo-thermal deflection
Skills
Essential:
C1 Excellent experimental skills
C2 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
C4 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
C5 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
Experience
Essential:
E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.
E1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
E2 Evidence of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences
E3 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers
E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
Closing date: 17 September 2024
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 12 months
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https: // www. gov.uk/skilled- worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 153450 Close Date : 17-Sep-2024 23:45