At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research project in electron crystallography and optimise data measurement.
- Company: University College London, a leading institution in scientific research.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, opportunities for career growth, and involvement in innovative projects.
- Other info: Fixed term of 36 months with opportunities to collaborate at Harwell.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of crystallography and work with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD (or near completion) in physics, chemistry, or materials science with crystallography experience.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
This post offers the opportunity to join an exciting new research project at University College London (UCL) investigating how scattering processes and detector interactions affect the measurement and extraction of integrated intensities in electron crystallography. The aim is to optimise the measurement and integration of electron diffraction data to deliver more accurate structural results.
Funded by the BBSRC award “Closing the data-quality gap for serial crystallography and electron diffraction”, the project marks the commencement of a new collaboration with Diamond Light Source and the STFC maintainers of DIALS and CCP4. The research will combine the development of a theoretical model of electron diffraction with the construction of a digital twin of the experiment. The resulting methods will be implemented in DIALS.
The appointee will be part of a collaborative team spanning UCL and Harwell with opportunities to spend time at Harwell working directly with project partners. They will also share responsibility for designing and maintaining the group’s research software, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate researchers, contributing to future funding proposals, and leading the preparation of research publications.
The appointee will have a PhD (or near completion) in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related discipline, with a strong background in crystallography, electron microscopy, or theoretical modelling of scattering/diffraction. A strong understanding of the principles of crystallography and diffraction, and in-depth knowledge of either electron microscopy/diffraction or the theory of scattering processes (e.g. electron or X-ray scattering, wave optics or related physics) are required.
The appointment is for a fixed term of 36 months, starting as soon as possible. The candidate will join the Advanced Microscopy and Crystallography Lab led by Dr Andrew Stewart in the Department of Chemistry at the Bloomsbury Campus of University College London.
Closing date is on 3 December 2026.
Research Fellow in Electron Crystallography Data Processing in London employer: UCL
UCL School of Management is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for those passionate about digital communications. Located in the vibrant city of London, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, access to cutting-edge resources, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Electron Crystallography Data Processing in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at UCL, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like UCL. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Electron Crystallography Data Processing in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at UCL. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at UCL. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at UCL. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at UCL to drive research projects forward.
