Muons & Intermediate Target Section Leader

Muons & Intermediate target section leader

Salary: £39,748 – £44,166 per annum, relocation package available.

Hours: Full time/Part Time

Contract Type: Open Ended

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

The ISIS neutron and muon source at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire is a world-leading research center which uses beams of neutrons and muons to study the atomic-level properties of materials. The ISIS Target Operations Group runs two target stations to provide neutrons for users, as well as a third target which produces muons.

The successful candidate will lead the team directly and will work on projects comprising of many different sections and groups. They will be responsible for the whole Muon suite including the RIKEN Cryogenic system, The Intermediate Target, the maintenance of the 7 individual Muon ports, and installing / upgrading the facilities. This involves managing specialist functions, dealing with specific complex areas of work covered by many different safety legislation and managing projects. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Organize and plan collaborations with other muon and ISIS staff.
• All mechanical maintenance activities related to Muon operations
• Take an essential role in the on-call system
• Operating the Cryogenic systems
• Ensuring specialist knowledge transfer of the Muon beamlines is past on
• Monitor and maintain the intermediate target systems
• Leading installations and upgrades as required.
• Contribute operational expertise to intermediate target projects and the Endeavor program
• Maintain running systems including water cooling, ventilation, gas handling, vacuum systems, laser experimental equipment and cryogenic plant.

Ensure future operations through:

• Initiating and leading new development and improvement projects
• Planning, assessment and evaluation of operational tasks and shut downs
• Ensuring procedures are correct and updated regularly
• Liaising with the Instrument design group on new projects and operational compliance
• Able to support the other sections in the group and see the wider operational impacts

Apply leadership and management skills to maintain and advance the operation of the target systems:

• Proven people management and leadership skills. Working to develop and retain staff
• Ensure there is a health and safety culture within the section
• Manage internal and external relationships as appropriate
• Oversee risk management. Ensure mitigations are in place and resolved
• Ability to utilize organizational systems effectively

Essential:

• Knowledge and experience in developing and maintaining safe systems of work (S&I)
• Experience of leading a team and developing staff (S&I)
• Experience of contributing technically in a multi-disciplinary engineering environment (S&I)
• Strong self-motivation and good teamwork skills (I)
• Able to multi-task and prioritize against a workload and achieve challenging targets (I)
• Willingness to work in controlled radiation and contamination areas and to be a classified radiation worker (I).
• Minimum of ONC or equivalent in a mechanical engineering subject area. (S)
• Full mechanical engineering apprenticeship, or equivalent, ideally with experience in industry. (S&I)
• Have a good understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, such as machining, materials and assembly (S&I)
• Able to interpret data and produce written documents and reports. (S&I)

Desirable:

• Prior knowledge and experience of radiation protection methods. (S&I)
• Experience of working with high pressure and high voltage hazards. (S&I)
• A broad understanding of all engineering disciplines (civil, electrical etc.) (S&I)
• Able to work on projects independently. (S&I)
• Appreciation of vacuum systems, cryogenic plant, gas handling and water systems. (S&I)
• Experience of working in a highly complex technical environment or scientific research environment (S)

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) 

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.

We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ 

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/ 

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. 

More information can be found at www.ukri.org. 

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce 

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’. 

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

How to apply 

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. 

Additional Information

• Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – ISIS
• Contract Type: Open Ended
• External Closing Date: Jan 31, 2023
• Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 39,748
• Hours: Full-time / Part-time

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