Principal Beamline Scientist, I11

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.


About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Principal Beamline Scientist to join the Crystallography Science Group at Diamond, to lead the I11 team of scientists and establish a competitive research programme which exploits the capabilities of I11 and Diamond.


Diamond’s Beamline I11 is a dedicated powder diffraction instrument with two experimental hutches.  The first houses a diffractometer with the world’s largest multi-analyser crystal array to collect high resolution data and a wide-angle position sensitive detector (PSD) based on Mythen-2 Si strip modules for ultrafast medium-resolution data collection. The diffractometer has just been replaced and a new PSD based on Mythen-3 modules has been ordered.  The second hutch has been specifically designed for long duration experiments where samples requiring weeks to months of periodic monitoring are studied as they undergo either “slow” changes or after long-term cycling, for example battery materials after charge-discharge cycles.  The beamline has seen considerable investment over the last year and this will continue with the delivery of a superconducting undulator in 2021 to further enhance flux at high energies.  It has a vigorous international user base and a well-established track record in delivering world class research.

Other instruments in the Group include beamlines I15, I15-1 and I19 and there are approximately 20 scientists and 5 technicians in total. Diamond has a well-established PhD studentship programme in collaboration with many UK Universities, and encourages staff to co-supervise students who will spend a significant part of their degree on campus.

 

For informal queries about the role, please contact Joe Hriljac.

Joseph.hriljac@diamond.ac.uk

 

About You

You will hold an appropriate first degree and PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or a related discipline with powder diffraction experience and significant post-doctoral experience using X-ray diffraction techniques at large-scale facilities. 

You will have a demonstrated expertise in X-ray diffraction methods relevant to I11, specifically powder diffraction studies of materials. This should include data collection, reduction and analysis strategies and familiarity with relevant software packages. You will also have experience in sample environment equipment, and knowledge of beamline instrumentation and/or X-ray optics will benefit your application. 

You will demonstrate skills in managing a small team, as well as a managing a budget and other resources for research and operations and upgrade projects. 

You will have demonstrated ability to develop a research programme, and to lead significant projects. 

You will display excellent interpersonal, communication and presentational skills to interact effectively with staff and stakeholders 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 13th December 2020 with interviews scheduled for early January 2021.

Business Area
Science
Full Time Salary
£55,097 to £64,821
Post Type
Full time / Permanent
Closing Date
13/12/2020
Ref No
10458

 

Other information

 

Diamond is open to different ways of working and we are committed to supporting our employees to have more flexibility and autonomy over where, when and how long they work.

Where relevant, and possible for the role, we will consider flexible working arrangements, secondment and job share opportunities.

Diamond attract talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 44 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women (77% men and 23% women as at March 2021). Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women. 

If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.

Diamond are members of Working Families (the UK’s work-life balance organisation), we have also achieved the Athena SWAN Bronze award and Disability Confident Level Two.