Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Scattering

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Scattering

Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term until 31 May 2026

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Detailed Description

The Programme Grant 'New Directions in Molecular Scattering: Multiple Pathways and Products', held jointly by Heriot-Watt University and University of Oxford, seeks a new postdoctoral research associate under the supervision of Prof Ken McKendrick and Prof Matt Costen. Although based at Heriot-Watt, the post will involve close collaboration with the groups of Prof Stuart Mackenzie and potentially Prof Claire Vallance at University of Oxford.

The post will primarily focus on the theme of Scattering for Catalysis, carrying out experiments on the creation of Al projectiles by laser ablation and their reactions with fluorinated liquid surfaces. The aim is to develop a method for quantifying the surface exposure of fluorinated groups in liquids of different chemical composition. There may also be a secondary opportunity to contribute to the theme of Scattering for the Atmosphere, through experiments involving collisions of a molecular beam of OH radicals with the surfaces of selected liquids and self assembled monolayers. These target systems are selected for their relevance to the chemical functionalities present at the surfaces of atmospheric aerosol particles.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct high quality, rigorous scientific research through acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data.
• Maintain written records of research results and manage data storage. Progress any generated intellectual property.
• Assist in the day to day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators, to ensure that the laboratory is operated in a safe and efficient manner.
• Operate (and supervising the operation of) fixed wavelength and tuneable lasers, vacuum apparatus and associated optics, detectors, electronics, etc.
• Maintain and upgrading the interface of apparatus to computer control for data acquisition; adapt and develop data processing and analysis codes.
• Regular communication with other investigators within the Programme at Heriot Watt and University of Oxford and external collaborators elsewhere, through online forms of communication and periodic travel to joint meetings.
• Preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences.
• Continue to update personal knowledge, and build internal and external contacts, to develop skills within your own specialist research area.
• You will be expected to take on certain administrative responsibilities associated with the grant, such as limited budgetary control and the preparation of reports.
• Contribute more widely to the activities of the Dynamics and Structure grouping within the Institute of Chemical Sciences at Heriot Watt, by attending and contributing to group meetings and seminars, etc.
• You may be required to undertake some restricted teaching duties in topics related to the post, within specified contractual limits.
• You will be expected to be involved in outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve e.g. talks for the general public, preparation of material for public interest sections of the website, or preparation of experimental demonstrations.

Education, Qualifications and Experience Essential Criteria

• A PhD in a relevant area of Physical Chemistry or Chemical Physics or related subject (or a thesis submitted by the start date of the post).
• A record of high quality publications, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity.
• Proven academic ability and a demonstrable high level of technical competence in experimental science and the analysis / modelling of the results.
• Expertise in some or all of the following technologies and experience of their application in a relevant research discipline: lasers; high vacuum technology; molecular beams; laser induced fluorescence detection; velocity map imaging detection.
• An excellent general knowledge of related areas through reading of the literature and attendance at seminars and conferences.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on your own initiative, working with a minimum of supervision but extracting the benefits of an excellent research environment.
• Ability to keep detailed laboratory records and report on progress at regular intervals.
• Ability to articulate research work, both in written technical reports and scientific papers, and by oral presentation.
• Enthusiasm to work as part of a team at Heriot Watt and more widely with other members of the Programme at University of Oxford and external collaborators.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of programming for data acquisition (e.g. LabVIEW) and analysis, or of offline code for simulation or analysis.
• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.
• Experience, subject to opportunity, of managing research expenditure within a specified budget.

About Our Team

The EPSRC Programme Grant 'New Directions in Molecular Scattering: Multiple Pathways and Products' is a joint initiative between investigators in the Institute of Chemical Sciences at Heriot Watt University (HWU) and the Department of Chemistry at University of Oxford (OXF). There are four investigators at HWU: Prof Ken McKendrick (PI), Prof Matt Costen, Dr Stuart Greaves and Prof Martin Paterson; and three at OXF: Prof Mark Brouard, Prof Stuart Mackenzie and Prof Claire Vallance.

There are well equipped laboratories at both sites, engaging primarily in molecular beam scattering and laser spectroscopic detection experiments, combined with access to advanced computational chemistry facilities. There are on going collaborations with a range of experimental and theoretical groups within HWU and OXF, elsewhere in the UK, and internationally. The dates of the project are 01/06/2020-31/05/2026. It is supported by £5.9M funding from EPSRC.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot Watt on line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Tuesday 16th December 2025.

Equality and Diversity

Heriot WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot WattUniversity values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website and also our award winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers

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