Research Assistant / Associate

Job Purpose

The successful applicant will contribute to the Institute for Gravitational Research’s (IGR) STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council) funded research theme in Interferometry, specifically the commissioning of a cryogenic suspended interferometer prototype and laser stabilisation systems. This project will address critical research and development challenges for cryogenic upgrades to ground-based gravitational wave detectors. The is an ambitious project aligned with the research objectives of the international LIGO Scientific Collaboration. The project has input from many members of the IGR, you will be expected to integrate with the existing research team, report on your work, communicate with the group and the wider international collaboration and lead research lines within the theme. The successful candidate will be expected to lead areas of the research and show research independence in development of a suspension system for silicon test mass optics operating at cryogenic temperatures with low thermal noise and high seismic isolation, and commissioning of the laser systems that will be used in conjunction with the suspended optics. The candidate will also be expected to engage with the wider research community. The research is expected to push forward the practical understanding and knowledge of these complex systems and work towards a full technological demonstration required for future gravitational wave detectors. The role therefore requires expert knowledge of suspension and laser systems for gravitational wave detections as well as strong modelling and practical skill sets. Main Duties and Responsibilities Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co-Investigator:1. Plan and conduct 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 demonstration and development of laser stabilisation and cryogenic suspensions systems for use in future gravitational wave detectors.3. Contribute to the acquisition, commissioning, maintenance and integration of experimental apparatus and experimental systems in the prototype interferometer facility and be the lead researcher on certain experiments.4. Contribute to the group LIGO Operations activities through training activities of LIGO operators visiting the Group and on-site and remote operations activities of the LIG detectors.5. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, updating usage documentation on experiments and equipment, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.6. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a record of accomplishment 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. Develop new and maintain existing collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).8. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia, and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile internationally. Participate in internal team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs, and culture of the School/College and to foster and enhance a collaborative and inclusive environment.9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure10. Make a modest contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.11. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area.12. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.13. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI (principal investigators).14. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together For appointment at grade 7: 15. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership, and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating, and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.16. Take an advanced role in the supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development and knowledge transfer.17. Develop independent research lines and propose work lines and contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.18. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of Laboratory and/or Experimental techniques, equipment, and processes as appropriate. These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be expected to perform. Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential: A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalentA2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of laser stabilisation or suspension design and characterisation techniques relevant to gravitational wave detector developmentA3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism of laser stabilisation, suspension dynamics and cryogenic materials.A4 Knowledge of specialist IT software (e.g. Matlab, Python, Ansys/COMSOL) For appointment at Grade 7: A5 An awarded SCQF level 12 (PhD) in subject specialism or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s). Skills Essential: C1 Sufficient experimental skills in the area of suspension systems for seismic isolation, laser stabilisation techniques and precision measurement and data handling techniques.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 to research.C4 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.C5 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.C6 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach. For appointment at Grade 7: C8 Excellent experimental skills in the area of suspension systems for seismic isolation, laser stabilisation techniques and precision measurement and data handling techniques.C9 Research creativity and inter-institution or cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate. Experience Essential: E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.E2 Proven ability to deliver quality research outputs in a timely and efficient manner.E3 A record of accomplishment of preparation and presentation of research results in a range of audiences; journals/conferences/workshops.E4 Experience in undertaking independent research and developing research lines.E5 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independenceE6 Experience of making a significant contribution in academic activitiesE7 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication. For appointment at Grade 7: E8 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including postdoctoral experience or equivalent in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.E9 Increased or emerging independence as a researcher and track-record of research completion and project management. As illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.E10 Experience of scientific communication and dissemination of results. Closing date: 18 September 2024 Terms and Conditions Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £36,024 / £39,347 - £44,263 per annum. This post is full time, and has funding for up to 10 months. 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. 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. 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. 3 A flexible approach to working.