About Us

Diamond Light Source is one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities. We’re home to the UK’s synchrotron light source – a giant microscope producing beams of light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Probing the structure and composition of matter, our work drives innovation in everything from vaccines to nanotech.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Beamline Scientist or Senior Beamline Scientist to join the science team of the Hard X-ray nanoprobe at Diamond’s Beamline I14.

The Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline is a dedicated facility for nanoscale microscopy, with a beam size of 50nm, an energy range of 5-23keV, optimised for scanning X-ray fluorescence, X-ray spectroscopy (XANES) and diffraction, with techniques such as Ptychography, tomography and in-situ capabilities currently being rolled out to users. Beamline I14 welcomed first users in March 2017 and has a growing user community with a wide range of scientific interests, from environmental science, biological imaging, and catalysis through to energy and materials science.

This role will be responsible for collaborating with the Principal Beamline Scientist for the commissioning and day-to-day safe operation of the beamline. You will work closely with other scientists and support groups within Diamond to ensure smooth operation of the beamline providing beam time to the scientific user community.

You will also participate in the procurement, development and commissioning of new equipment and techniques including new instrumentation such as X-ray detectors, sample stages and novel sample environments and have the ability to develop and use software tools to contribute to providing analysis solutions for the beamline experiments. You will be expected to interact positively with the user community, and provide a high level of expertise to support visiting research teams using the beamline.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Managing the day-to-day coordination of support groups to implement beamline upgrade projects, to improve the quality of the beamline, develop solutions for emerging problems, and ensure its smooth operation.
• Developing your own research relevant to the beamline and disseminating the results.
• Advising on the development of data acquisition, visualization and analysis software and involvement in commissioning of new software.
• Advising users on proposal submissions and helping to develop the user community.
• Actively participate in beamline reviews.

Successful applicants will be appointed as either a Beamline Scientist or Senior Beamline Scientist, depending on the strength of your knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications, and specific responsibilities will differ accordingly.

Occasional weekend working and flexible hours will be required at key times, along with occasional UK and overseas travel.

About You

You will hold an appropriate first degree, along with a second degree in chemistry, physics, biology, materials science or a related discipline, or demonstrate significant equivalent experience.

You should have an independent research program in a science area relevant to the beamline. We would particularly welcome applicants with a background in materials science (or related areas) to help develop a strong user community in this field, showcasing X-ray Nanoprobe techniques and fostering active collaborations in addition to a beamline centred research program. 

You will also need to demonstrate experience and knowledge of synchrotrons, and in data processing and analysis for XRF, XRD, tomography  or ptychography to include handling large data sets.

Any further experience in the following areas will be beneficial, particularly at senior level:

• Beamline X-ray optics and X-ray instrumentation, including X-ray detectors
• Beamline design and construction
• Supporting Scientists in the conduct of research in a synchrotron or equivalent facility
• Project management
• Programming in Python or a similar language

You will demonstrate good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills, with the ability to interact effectively with staff and facility users at all levels.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, along with flexible working hours and an excellent pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Applicants are required to outline their suitability for this role via the online application process. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.

Diamond is a thriving international organisation, attracting a diverse range of talented individuals from around the world. Our staff currently comprises 39 nationalities and we welcome applications from everyone interested in joining us.

The closing date for applications is 23 August 2020.