Internal Only -Research Associate in Automation of Electron Microscopy

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This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only - Research Associate in Automation of Electron Microscopy
Cardiff School of Chemistry
Cardiff University

We seek to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated scientist with proven intellectual and technical abilities to work on a new exciting research programme. The Leverhulme Trust have funded a 3 year project at Cardiff University to enable automated determination of the 3D atomic structure of metal nanoparticles. The project is a collaboration between researchers in the Schools of Chemistry and Computer Science, combining cutting edge machine learning methods with world-leading electron microscopy.

The researcher will lead the automation of image acquisition on the aberration-corrected Spectra 200 (S)TEM located in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI). They will write code to automatically acquire hundreds of atomic-resolution images of metal nanoparticles, which will then be input into machine learning methods for atomic structure determination. They will apply the automated methodologies developed to track the atomic structure of nanoparticles during CO oxidation, using a closed-cell in-situ gas holder in the microscope.

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with extensive experience of programming with Python for either electron microscope control or for analysis of electron microscopy images. Due to the collaborative nature of the project, the researcher will have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from researchers in the School of Computer Science, supervised by Prof Yukun Lai, who are experts in machine learning.

Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in chemistry, materials science, physics or have relevant industrial experience.

Dr Thomas Slater https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/slatert2.

For informal enquiries about the role and the Cardiff School of Chemistry, please contact Dr Thomas Slater (SlaterT2@cardiff.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 29208 79966).

For further details about working at Cardiff University, please contact Ms Caroline Pasmore (Chemy-HR@cardiff.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4073)

This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and is available from 1st September 2026 for 36 months.

Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). We do not anticipate that an appointment be made above £40,247 per annum (Grade 6.32).

Important note: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined below. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each element.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, e.g. Supporting Statement for 21608BR.

Closing date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Main Function

To conduct research on the automation of electron microscopy of nanomaterials and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

•             To conduct research on the automation of electron microscopy and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 

•             To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals,

•             To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.

•             To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

•             To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.

•             To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.

•             To participate in School research activities.

•             To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

•             To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.

•             To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.

•             To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.

•             Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1.           Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.           An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience in aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope.

3.           Proven ability to use Python for electron microscope control or image analysis in electron microscopy.

4.           Knowledge of current status of research in the three-dimensional imaging of nanomaterials.

5.           Proven ability to publish in international journals and present at national/international conferences.

6.           Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding or knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working

7.           Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.

8.           Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.

Other

9.           Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.

10.        Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria

1.           Proven experience of in-situ transmission electron microscopy in gaseous environments.

2.           Evidence of collaborations with external partners (at other Universities or industrial partners).

3.           Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Additional Information

Additional Information

This project focuses on the automation of atomic-resolution imaging of metal nanoparticles. The researcher will lead the characterization of catalytic nanoparticles using the aberration-corrected Spectra 200 (S)TEM located in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI). They will write code utilising a Python API for the Spectra microscope to automate atomic-resolution imaging of nanoparticles. They will apply automated imaging to obtain atomic-resolution images, which will then be used to train machine learning methods for 3D atomic structure determination. The developed methods will be applied to in-situ imaging of metal catalysts during CO oxidation studies.

Job Category

Academic - Research