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.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced Laboratory Instrumentation Technician, ideally with a good understanding and background in chemistry. The main duties will be to provide laboratory support to scientists, visitors and users of the Diamond machine and peripheral laboratories. You will be expected to set up and run a variety of laboratory equipment, training users where required. You should have familiarity of the use and disposal of hazardous chemicals in accordance with C.O.S.H.H.

Successful candidates will have previous experience in a laboratory technician role and with handling hazardous chemicals and specialist gases.  Use and maintenance of a range of equipment such as spectrophotometers, glove boxes, microscopes, fume cupboards/Biosafety cabinets etc. would be an advantage.

You should be highly motivated and able to work under your own initiative. Good communication skills and experience of working in a multi-discipline environment with scientists are essential. There is a strong emphasis on Health and Safety so familiarity of risk assessments and legislation would be desirable but not essential.

To provide support to scientists, visitors and users within the Diamond laboratories.

• Provide general laboratory support to scientists, visitors and users within the Diamond laboratories;
• Assist in the setting up and running of instrumentation and laboratory equipment and the maintenance and safe operation of the laboratories;
• Supervise the use of laboratory equipment, provide assistance and training if required, monitor and provide support for calibration and service contracts for agreed equipment;
• Ensure that the laboratories are stocked with consumables and other sample preparations as required ready for User/visitor experiments;
• Monitor and ensure the correct storage of chemicals, waste and other specialist materials in accordance with C.O.S.H.H. (maintain records where required);
• Monitor compliance by all users, of safety procedures and practices throughout the laboratories in adherence with relevant company and statutory H&S and other guidelines;
• Undertake other duties of a similar nature including working flexibly with other  employees as required.

• HNC/ HND or equivalent qualification in appropriate subject (Applicants with equivalent work experience will also be considered);
• Significant relevant work experience as a laboratory technician;
• Proven experience in most of the following areas: handling of hazardous chemicals, specialist gases, protein purification, use of spectrophotometers, HPLC, chromatography (gas and liquid) equipment, fume hoods, glove boxes, microscopes etc.   
• Familiarity of maintaining stock and resource levels, cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment. Calibration and testing of equipment;
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with visitors and scientists
• Ability to carry out a range of tasks in chemical & biological laboratories;
• Ability to interact with people at all levels;
• Ability to work on own initiative;
• Good planning and organising skills.

• Familiarity of HSE legislation, risk assessments and COSHH. Working with portable gas supplies;
• Good IT skills – standard MS Office software;
• Some travel may be required, usually within the UK usually for training purposes.

• Some travel may be required, usually within the UK usually for training purposes.