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About the Role
We currently have 2 CEI Research Fellow positions available at 0.6 FTE with equates to 21.75 hours per week. However, there is flexibility around the working hours / pattern. These positions will be offered as a secondment / fixed-term contract dependent on the employee's current working arrangements.
The Centre for Electronic Imaging (CEI) is a research centre within the School of Physical Sciences at the Open University. It is a collaboration between the Open University and Teledyne e2v, who provide sponsorship contributing towards PhD studentships and research positions.
The CEI is dedicated to the research and development of advanced technologies for electronic image sensing and provides knowledge exchange between the UK technology industry and academia. The main focus of the CEI's work relates to the development of imaging sensors for space applications, with expertise in X-ray spectroscopy and the study of the effects of radiation damage.
We are seeking to recruit an outstanding candidate to this industry-sponsored fellowship to work on research and development into imaging sensor technology in the Centre for Electronic Imaging (CEI), with a focus aligned to the core research interests of the industry-academia collaboration. For the final three years of the current collaboration agreement with Teledyne e2v these areas of research focus include:
- CMOS image sensors (CIS300 series) and image sensor design.
- X-ray CMOS image sensors and applications.
- Device simulation (including, but not limited to, Pyxel, Silvaco, SPENVIS, Geant4).
The CEI contributes to many European Space Agency (ESA) space observatory missions such as Euclid, JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE), Solar-wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE), Transient High-Energy Sky and Early Universe Surveyor (THESEUS) and the Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics (ATHENA), NASA missions such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (formerly WFIRST), as well as other future mission opportunities. The fellowship is aimed at established career academics wishing to further their research and development reputation in imaging detectors and their applications, particularly in the space environment.
The successful candidate will be expected to build their own research portfolio and begin to generate income through research grants and/or collaboration with industry, alongside supporting the wider work of the CEI. Mentoring will be provided to support bidding for funding, although previous bidding experience will be beneficial. The successful candidate will also contribute to the supervision of PhD students within the CEI, along with production of high-quality publications, fostering knowledge exchange and novel application development leading to exploitation.
Key Responsibilities
The person appointed to this post will undertake duties to include:
- Develop and carry out research programmes based on a research focus area for the CEI, with focus primarily on CMOS images sensors (CIS300 series) and image sensor design, X-ray CMOS image sensors, and/or Device simulation (including, but not limited to, Pyxel, Silvaco, SPENVIS, Geant4).
- Conduct a largely independent programme of research within the CEI with opportunities for collaborations with existing researchers across the STEM faculty.
- Apply for additional research funding where appropriate.
- Publish research findings in refereed journals and communicate them at conferences.
- Provide appropriate support to other members of the research group, including supervision for postgraduate research students and support to other CEI projects as required.
- Contribute to science outreach programmes.
- Investigate opportunities to contribute to the STEM curriculum.
All Staff are expected to:
- Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety arrangements are complied with.
- Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.
- Attend appropriate staff development events.
About You
Essential
- A PhD in Physics, Engineering or a closely related subject.
- Experience with CCD / CMOS imaging sensors and/or device and device-related simulations.
- Expertise in at least one of the following strategic research areas:
- CMOS image sensors (CIS300 series) and image sensor design.
- X-ray CMOS image sensors and their applications.
- Device simulation (including, but not limited to, Pyxel, Silvaco, SPENVIS, Geant4).
- A strong research and publications record commensurate with career stage.
- A record of independent bidding/funding for research activities, and a clear plan and awareness of funding strategy.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Well-developed self-management skills with the ability to prioritise work appropriately, deal with several competing demands and manage own time effectively.
- PhD supervision experience (formally or informally).
Desirable
- Experience of bidding and being awarded grant funding, including management of funds and successful delivery of the project outcomes.
- Experience of developing and implementing research programmes and/or projects.
- Experience on national/international panels and/or committees.
- Knowledge of health and safety issues when working with radiation.
- Experience of university-industry partnerships.
- Understanding of intellectual property and knowledge exchange.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place W/C 9th February. For awareness, if called to interview, candidates will be expected to present their experience and proposals to the panel during the interview, as per the submitted document, in the form of a PowerPoint slideshow (or similar) with a time limit of 10 minutes. Slides do not need to be submitted in advance of the interview.
Early closing date notification
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):
- CV
- Supporting Statement. Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4 and should address and answer the following criteria:
- How do your skills and experience fit the person specification and key responsibilities for the role?
- Specify clearly which of the three core research focus areas you are applying under.
- Provide details of your experience in this research focus area so far in your research career.
- Provide an outline of what you would like to do in the role if successful; what do you plan to do with your research over the fellowship period?
You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.
