Singapore Synchrotron Light Source (SSLS) and Institute of Chemical Engineering and Sciences (ICES) are building an X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy facility with a special focus on catalysis (XAFCA).

SSLS (SSLS) is a university-level Research Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS), a premier research university in Asia-Pacific. It is generating and exploiting synchrotron radiation for research and development purposes and provides service for customers including research institutions, industry and institutions of public interest. Synchrotron radiation is produced by a compact 700 MeV electron storage ring with two 4.5 T superconducting dipoles. It covers a spectral range of 7 orders of magnitude from hard X-rays to the far infrared. Five beamlines and experimental stations are in operation comprising a micro/nanomanufacturing facility (LiMiNT), a phase contrast imaging and tomography beamline (PCIT), a soft X-ray facility for surface, interface, and nanostructure science (SINS), a hard X-ray facility for diffraction, absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence (XDD) and an infrared spectro/microscopy facility (ISMI). A beamline for electron and photon beam diagnostics (EPD) is under commissioning.

ICES ( ICES ) is one of Singapore’s family of research institutes under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). ICES has established world leading laboratories, pilot facilities, and the necessary infrastructure to carry out a world class research programme in chemistry and chemical engineering sciences. ICES is currently developing six R&D programmes: 1- Applied Catalysis (AC), 2- Crystallisation and Particle Science (CPS), 3- New Synthesis Techniques and Applications (NSTA), 4- Process Science and Modelling (PSM), 5- Industrial Biotechnology (IB), and 6- Chemical Synthesis Laboratory @ Biopolis (CSL). Particularly, the R&D efforts in Applied Catalysis programme are directed at developing novel catalysts and processes relevant to the petrochemical, fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

XAFCA is being built at SSLS. Its spectral range will cover about 3 to 12.8 keV. The experimental station will feature a catalytic process chamber and temperature control from 4 K to 600 K. Research will focus on catalysis, particularly on heterogeneous catalysis with special emphasis on “in situ” measurements to elucidate the structural/electronic characteristics of active sites and the structure-catalytic performance relationship. However, it will also have room for other topics. As for any other facility at SSLS, there will also be a commercial service to customers.

The XAFCA construction project is funded by A*STAR and includes job openings for a

While job contracts will be awarded by ICES, the working place will be at SSLS.

Beamline Scientist

He/she would be a major driving force to the project from the completion of the existing layout over the design, the Call for Tender and the contract awarding through the construction, installation and commissioning phases to its delivery. Working closely with the suppliers, he/she would ensure that technical solutions chosen are adequate to the planned research.

The candidate should possess

• a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline,
• strong experience in XAFS at a synchrotron radiation source, in particular, in the theoretical and computational aspects of evaluating and interpreting EXAFS and XANES spectra, detection methods and detectors, and beamline optics,
• a broad general experience in synchrotron radiation, both generation and applications,
• excellent planning, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, and
• a very good command of English, spoken and written.

Candidates who have worked for an extended time at a synchrotron light source will be preferred.

Supervised at SSLS by the Co-PI of the project, the candidate will report to the project PI who is with ICES.

Beamline Engineer

He/she would be the engineering backbone of the project, ensuring that technical solutions are state-of-the-art, optimized and fulfill specifications and safety standards. Besides beamline aspects, he/she would specifically look into the experimental station.

The candidate should possess

• a PhD or Masters in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline,
• strong experience in hard X-ray beamline design, construction, and commissioning, including aspects of X-ray optics, monochromators, vacuum system, control system, detection methods and detectors,
• good background and track record in computational simulation of optical systems and thermal effects,
• a broad general experience in synchrotron radiation, both generation and applications,
• excellent planning, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, and
• a very good command of English, spoken and written.

Knowledge and experience in chemistry related to catalysis would be desirable.

The candidate will report to the Beamline Scientist.

Beamline Research/Lab Officer

He/she would support the project team in all technical matters arising, in particular, with mechanical systems, the vacuum system and electronics. Trained-on-the-job, he/she would increasingly take over sub-tasks including alignment and adjustment of components and systems, preparation of experiments, and performance of routine experiments.

The candidate should possess

• a Bachelor degree or Diploma in Engineering, Physics, Electronics or a related discipline,
• good computer skills for computational simulation,
• determination and ability to learn quickly,
• good interpersonal and communication skills and
• a very good command of English, spoken and written.

The candidate will report to the Beamline Engineer.

ICES/SSLS offer

• a contract covering the project period until April 2011, renewable for three years depending on performance, featuring a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualification, skills and experience,
• challenging work at the forefront of technological development and research of highest relevance,
• immersion in an excellent, young and highly motivated team.

Positions will be open until a suitable candidate has accepted the job offer. The announcement will then be withdrawn from ICES’, SSLS’ and NUS’ websites. Please send your application with a CV, resume of professional achievements, list of publications, two letters of recommendation, copies of supporting documents (educational certificates, testimonials etc) and a recent photograph to:

Ms Chong Khing Ling
Manager
SSLS/NUS
5 Research Link
Singapore 117603

Email : slsjobs@nus.edu.sg