Scientist for Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) at Elettra

Scientist for Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) at Elettra

  • Trieste, Italy
Expires Today
Scientist for Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) at Elettra
Job description

The  SAXS beamline at Elettra is devoted to advanced hard X-ray scattering  techniques in the field of biomedicine and materials science and is  operated and maintained in collaboration with the Institute of Inorganic  Chemistry of the Technical University of Graz (Austria). The beamline  is employed for time-resolved studies of structural transitions on  different time scales down to the sub-millisecond and even ps  single-pulse time ranges, on solutions and partly ordered systems  containing structures of up to 100 nm dimensions in real-space. In  addition, grazing-incidence (GISAXS) measurements are performed to study  self-assembly processes on surfaces, or to perform structural  characterizations of thin films. GISAXS measurements can be performed  with many different sample environments (e.g., autosampler, flow-through  cell, humidity cell, electrochemical cells etc.) and, simultaneously,  Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) data can be recorded. Users can  select the different sample holders available (e.g., rapid mixing,  T-jump, high pressure cell, etc.), or install their own specialized sample equipment. See https://www.elettra.trieste.it/elettra-beamlines/saxs.html for more information.

In the framework of the Elettra 2.0 upgrade plan, a new  high-brilliance SAXS beamline (HB-SAXS) is being built. It will be based  on an in-vacuum undulator (IVU) and will cover a photon energy range  from 4.5 to 17 keV with micrometric spot size and photon flux of  >1012 phot/s. The scientific activity of the HB-SAXS beamline will  extend the classical applications of SAXS, and allow experiments in  which high brilliance, small spot sizes and coherence are essential,  such as, e.g., picosecond pump-probe experiments, 3D SAXS tensor  tomography, X-ray photocorrelation spectroscopy, pytchography and  coherent SAXS imaging.

Job description

The successful candidate will work closely with the staff of Elettra  Sincrotrone Trieste and of the Austrian partner on the existing SAXS  beamline, as well as contribute to the design, construction and  optimization of the experimental stations of the new HB-SAXS beamline in  order to meet the high standards of the user community for the  characterization of biological systems and new materials.

In addition, she/he will also provide high-quality support to  external users, thus gaining opportunities for collaborative work at the  frontiers of the field before the dark period starting in July 2025,  when the removal of Elettra and the installation of Elettra 2.0 will  take place. User operations of the new Elettra 2.0 facility is expected  to start in January 2027.

She/he is also expected to establish new research collaborations and  to be involved in submitting proposals to suitable funding agencies.

Desired skills and experience

A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related disciplines is  required. Proven expertise in the design and development of complex  instrumentation (i.e., synchrotron instrumentation, beamlines,  experimental stations, etc.) is expected, together with a suitable  publication record in SAXS and/or SANS.

The candidate should possess strong interpersonal skills to pursue  collaborative research programs in a team-oriented environment and to  become part of existing research collaborations.

Good time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected,  together with the ability to interact with project partners and to work  as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

About the employer

The appointment envisioned is a fixed-term contract with an initial  duration of 24 months, renewable upon agreement between the parties. By  the end of 2026 the Company may consider opening a call for a permanent  position as beamline scientist, subject to the development of the SAXS  program.

The salary will be commensurate with previous experience and  qualifications of the candidate. Applications should include a full  curriculum vitae, the names and contact information (including  electronic mail) of up to three individuals who have agreed to provide  references.

The interviews may be held via video conferencing.

The deadline for the submission of the application is February 28, 2025.

Areas of Research
  • Spectroscopy
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Synchrotron / X-ray Applications