Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. Located on the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire a 20 minute drive south of Oxford in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Diamond Light Source conducts world-class research in virtually all fields of science and offers rewarding career opportunities covering both technical and scientific disciplines.

The Versatile Soft X-ray (VERSOX) beamline will permit X-ray spectroscopy and imaging of light-element materials and also in-situ processing with electron, x-ray and optical sources under environmental conditions. The beamline-endstations will enable fundamental questions in the physical and life sciences to be addressed, in particular at solid-solid, solid-gas, solid-liquid and liquid-gas interfaces under ambient conditions using, for example, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Near Edge X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (NEXAFS). The photon energy range will cover elements in the first-row of the Periodic Table that include carbon, nitrogen and oxygen – central to many important materials including bio-molecules, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics, pigments, oxides, minerals and planetary rocks.

To support the Principal Beamline Scientist in the design, construction, installation, commissioning and operation of the beamline.

Working in support of the Principal Beamline Scientist in the following areas:

• Installation, assembly, and maintenance of a range of equipment and systems on the beamline and support laboratories, including testing and commissioning;
• Procurement of straightforward beamline components;
• Liaise with the suppliers of the beamline components;
• Local contact support to users by setting up and providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques once beamline operational;
• Carry out own research in an area relevant to the beamline and disseminate through publications and presentations;
• Assist in the development of a new item of equipment or system on the beamline, including testing and commissioning.

• Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
• Second degree in appropriate subject;
• Relevant synchrotron research experience;
• Experience of X-ray measurement using synchrotrons;
• Knowledge of beamline instrumentation;
• Experience in one or more of the following area:
  1. Experience in Near-ambient pressure spectroscopy techniques,
  2. Experience in XPS,
  3. Experience in x-ray absorption spectroscopy,
  4. Experience in Heterogeneous Catalysis.
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Excellent observational skills;
• Good interpersonal, communication  and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
• Self motivated;
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.

• Experience in one or more of the following area:
  1. Experience in Atmospheric Chemistry,
  2. Experience in Surface Science.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a research program and successful scientific publication record;
• Experience of beamline design and construction; Experience of managing a beamline for users;
• Project management experience;
• Programming skills in Python and Java.

• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.