Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences School of and Astronomy

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Physics

Fixed term for 5 years, available from 1 January 2014

The post is part of the Physics research group in the School of Physics and Astronomy’s new activity in liquid crystal physics and you will specifically work with Professor Helen Gleeson to establish this new research activity at Leeds and throughout the period that she holds the post of Head of School.

You will join a dynamic collaborative team, working with Prof. Helen Gleeson in the Soft Matter Physics Group, in co-operation with our UK and overseas research partners. You must have an experimental PhD degree (or equivalent) in Soft Matter Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline, and direct research experience in experimental studies of liquid crystalline materials.

The ’ commitment to women in science has been recognised with a national accolade. The University has received the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and the Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences holds the Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our success in recruiting, retaining and developing/promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). We are proud of our commitment to equality and inclusiveness.

The University offers generous terms and conditions of employment, a wide range of benefits, services, facilities and family friendly policies. Full details are available on the Human Resources web pages accessible at www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/index.htm

Applications from women, who are currently under-represented in this area, will be particularly welcome; however, the final recruitment decision will be based solely on merit.

University Grade 7 (£31,342 - £37,394 p.a.) dependent on qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Helen Gleeson, email [email protected], tel +44 (0)161 275 4071.

Closing Date: 11 November 2014

Ref: MAPPA1005

Click here for further information about working at the University of Leeds www.leeds.ac.uk/info/20025/university_jobs Job Description

Responsible to: Head of School Reports to: Professor Helen Gleeson

Main Duties and Responsibilities

 To independently plan and carry out the experimental work needed to accomplish the aims of the project  To generate research output, analyse and interpret the results and develop independent and original ideas, as appropriate  To take a leading role in the writing up and dissemination of research results, by publication in leading peer-reviewed journals, and by presentation at national and international scientific meetings  To contribute to the work of the research team as a whole; through dialogue with colleagues, generation of ideas, advising on study design, problem solving etc  To liaise with PhD students and researchers working on relevant research in Leeds and to act as a first point of contact for researchers in the partner laboratories relevant to each project  To work under the direction of the project supervisor and under your own initiative

Career Expectations

The University of Leeds is committed to developing its staff. All staff participate in the Staff Review and Development scheme and we continue to work with individuals, supporting them to maximise their potential.

Progression to a higher grade is dependent on an individual taking on an increased level of responsibility. Vacancies that arise within the area or across the wider University are advertised on the HR website - http://jobs.leeds.ac.uk - to allow staff to apply for wider career development opportunities.

University Values

All staff are expected to operate in line with the University’s values and standards, which work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together. More information about the University’s strategy and values is available at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/.

Person Specification

Essential

 A PhD or equivalent in some field of soft matter physics, materials science, or a similar area  Experience of experimental soft matter or materials physics of liquid crystals  Initiative to explore new ideas and contribute to the development of the research, both conceptually and in practice  The ability to work efficiently and manage time as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve deliverables to fixed deadlines in the project  The ability to communicate your work well locally as well at national and international conferences, and write high quality articles for publication  Good interpersonal skills, capable of working as a productive and valued member of a project team  Evidence of sustained generation of publishable research in soft matter physics (e.g. recent published papers in refereed journals)  Proof of independence as a researcher, for example, through evidence of leadership of a high-impact peer-reviewed publication or independent funding application

Desirable

 Skilled in computing, both in writing software to control experimental apparatus and numerical analysis and simulation of data  Capable of designing apparatus and interacting with technical staff to have it built  Capable of interacting with theorists and modellers working in related areas of physics and materials science  Capable of working in an interdisciplinary environment  Able to mentor and act as a role model for postgraduate researchers  Knowledge of the scientific concepts underlying the project, in this case, those relevant to liquid crystalline materials  Experience in some of the experimental techniques relevant to the project  Experience with electro-optical measurements, dielectric spectroscopy, as applied to liquid crystalline materials in this case

Additional Information

The University offers generous terms and conditions of employment, a wide range of benefits, services, facilities and family friendly policies. Full details are available on the Human Resources web pages accessible at www.leeds.ac.uk/hr

The Partnership

The Partnership has been developed by students and staff and describes the mutual expectations of us all as members of the University of Leeds community. More information about the Partnership is available at http://partnership.leeds.ac.uk

Disclosure and Barring Service checks

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this position. However, applicants who have unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, including any pending criminal proceedings must indicate this in the ‘other personal details’ section of the application form and send details to the Recruitment Officer at [email protected].

Disabled Applicants

The post is located in the School of Physics and Astronomy. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email [email protected] or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723.

Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.

Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health conditions is available in the applicant guidance.