Research Fellow
Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Development of stable mass standards
Location
The BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures) in Sèvres, France, is an intergovernmental scientific organization whose mandate is to provide the basis for a coherent system of measurements throughout the world, traceable to the International System of Units (SI). It has an international staff of over 70 and an annual budget of about 10 million euros. Further information about the BIPM can be found on the website: www.bipm.org
The BIPM has responsibility for conservation and use of the physical object presently used to define the kilogram in the International System of Units (SI). Plans are being made to redefine the kilogram with respect to a fundamental constant of physics. To advance this programme, the BIPM will create a bank of new 1 kg artefacts whose physical properties and surface finish are optimised for mass stability at the part in 109 level. The artefacts will be stored and used under vacuum or in an inert atmosphere.
The closing date is 15 January 2009
Duties
The successful candidate will carry out research and development aimed at creating storage and handling facilities as well as supervising the construction of the artefacts themselves. The best design solution will be guided by results of surface studies as a function of storage environment for various candidate materials. This work will be validated by using precision mass comparators maintained at the BIPM, and through collaboration with other research institutes.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
* a Ph.D. in physics;
* experience in surface science and vacuum systems;
* a fluent level of spoken and written English;
* ability to work in a multicultural environment and to maintain good working relations inside and outside the organization.
Employment conditions
The BIPM offers a full-time 19 months fixed-term appointment starting 1 April 2009. The BIPM offers salaries and terms of employment in accordance with its Staff Rules, which are comparable to those of other international organizations based in France, operates its own contributory pension scheme and subscribes to a private medical insurance for its staff and their families.
Applications
The BIPM encourages applications from both women and men with relevant qualifications. A full Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) and covering letter should be sent by paper mail to the Director, BIPM, Pavillon de Breteuil, F-92312 Sèvres Cedex, France, by 15 January 2009. Applications may also be submitted by email to: fjoly@bipm.org. Applications should include the names of two referees who will be asked to comment upon the candidate’s suitability for the post. Requests for additional information may be addressed to Dr. R. Davis, Head of the Mass Section: rdavis@bipm.org.
