Organisation
Cranfield University
Faculty or Department
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at
Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire
Hours of work
37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered
Contract type
Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period
Fixed Term Contract for 30 months
Salary
Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £37,897 to £45,580 per annum, with potential progression up to £52,067 per annum (37 hours per week)
We welcome applications from talented and motivated researchers with expertise in X-ray and synchrotron imaging to play a leading role in cutting-edge research exploring the structure and function of complex environmental systems.
About the Role
This is a Research Fellow role embedded within a major externally funded research programme in soil science. You will lead the delivery of synchrotron and X-ray imaging components of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, delivering advanced imaging research to understand how pore-scale structure and mineral-carbon interactions control the storage and movement of organic carbon across the soil–bedrock continuum.
The role will involve significant periods based at Diamond Light Source, where you will design and deliver experiments using techniques such as X-ray micro-computed tomography and X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES). You will also undertake laboratory-based imaging and develop analytical workflows to process and interpret complex 2D and 3D datasets.
Working closely with the research lead and an interdisciplinary team, you will contribute to research across multiple work packages, including investigating structural changes during weathering and the development of pore networks and carbon distribution during early soil formation. You will be responsible for the design and delivery of imaging experiments, integration of imaging outputs with biological and biogeochemical datasets, and dissemination of findings through high-quality scientific publications and presentations.
About You
You will be educated to doctoral level in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, Geoscience, Environmental Science or a related discipline, with a strong focus on lab-based or synchrotron CT imaging. You will have experience in designing and delivering imaging experiments, working with complex datasets, and interpreting imaging outputs.
You will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and be confident working independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary team. Experience of working at large-scale research facilities such as synchrotrons.
You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences. You should be able to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to agreed deadlines. Willingness to spend periods working at Diamond Light Source and to travel as required is essential.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.
The role sits within Cranfield’s Environmental Sustainability Theme, which brings together expertise across soil science and environmental systems to deliver research and education that supports a more resilient and sustainable future through close collaboration with industry, government and international partners.
Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.
We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.
As part of our commitment to support and develop Technical staff across the University, we are a founding signatory of the Science Council's Technician Commitment. Find out more here.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Dan Evans, Senior Lecturer in Soil Formation and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, on: [email protected]
