This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Senior Experimental Hall Co-ordinator
Job Reference 0028/16/TH
Post Type Full time, permanent
Division Physical Science
Salary information Circa £32k + shift enhancement
Application deadline 07/07/2016


Job Description

Diamond Light Source is the largest scientific research facility to be built in the UK for 30 years. The Diamond Synchrotron produces extremely intense light beams, mainly as X-rays, that can penetrate deeply inside all kinds of matter from proteins to plastics to enable world class research. The Synchrotron is located 10 miles south of Oxford.

The Science Division is seeking to recruit a Senior Hall Co-ordinator to join an existing team. The team works a shift pattern (24 hour, 7 day, 3 shifts) which involves night and weekend shifts on a rota.

The main duties will be to provide advanced technical support to scientists, visitors and users, undertake fault diagnosis and resolution,  comprehensive beamline support for remote access experiments and safety/ beamline training out of hours.

You will also monitor activities within the experimental hall to ensure compliance with company and statutory requirements, undertake the duties of a Radiation Protection Supervisor and act as a Diamond Emergency Controller responding to safety alarms, particularly low oxygen alarms.

Successful candidates will have proven experience in working within a Science/Technical environment as well as most of the following areas: handling of hazardous chemicals, biological samples, specialist gases, cryogens (pressurised dewars) and low level radioactive sources.  The ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment, and carry out general electronic and engineering tasks is essential.  

You should be highly motivated and able to work under your own initiative with excellent communication skills.

There is a strong emphasis on Health and Safety so familiarity of risk assessments, COSHH and legislation along with safety qualifications would be desirable but not essential.

To provide a broad range of support and advice, maintaining the operational effectiveness of all beamlines and laboratories, and the Diamond Synchrotron, maintaining the user operation programme and reducing lost shifts.
EHCs have delegated authority with regards to user safety, competence and beamline operations.

  • Provide advanced technical support to users, using knowledge and expertise to undertake fault diagnosis and resolution on all beamlines, out of hours. Ensure all faults are logged and reported to relevant parties;
  • Provide comprehensive beamline support out of hours for all Remote Access experiments - acting as the main contact for off-site users and all beamline/sample issues;
  • Responsible for the provision of out of hours PSS, Beamline and safety training when required. Make decision on User competency to operate the beamline and perform hutch searches, controlling access as necessary;
  • Management of shipped sample dewars for the beamlines; ensure dewars are maintained, and monitored daily;
  • Undertake the duties of a Radiation Protection Supervisor, monitoring safe working practices within all beamlines and laboratories, ensure the safe storage/use of low level radioactive sources. Undertake regular monitoring and ensure compliance of radiation generating laboratory equipment. Issue PTWs;
  • Monitor specialist samples and procedures for users; ensure correct storage and safe use of hazardous samples/materials in beamlines/laboratories;
  • Act as Emergency controllers for Diamond in accordance with the SHE guidelines. Contribute and prepare risk assessments, hazard analysis reviews etc. Respond to all laboratory and beamline alarms (in particular: low oxygen, hazardous spillages, First aid) co-ordinating evacuations and responses as required;
  • Maintain expertise in a professional field (such as Health & Safety, Gas safety, radiological etc.) and apply to the development of new procedures and policies. Ensuring specialist training required to support the Experimental Hall and beamlines (e.g. Software, Beamline equipment, RPS, First Aid) is updated as required;
  • Manage relationships with specialist suppliers to procure and deliver services, equipment or expertise for Diamond, notably oxygen depletion systems, gas regulators, specialist waste and specialist gas/liquid helium;
  • Coordinate and supervise installation / maintenance contractors, maintenance and breakdowns on beamlines and within laboratories as necessary;
  • Produce reports and documentation, supporting the delivery of services and systems on beamlines and laboratories.

The EHC’s will also be involved in installation and maintenance activities, development of operational procedures and documentation for the Experimental Hall. They may also be allocated to other groups to support their activities, future development and training.

Experimental Hall Co-ordinators work on a regular 24 hour, 7 day, continuous year round shift system.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Candidates must be able to work flexibly within the required shift patterns;
  • Significant relevant work experience within a Science / Technical environment;
  • Proven experience in most of the following areas: handling of hazardous chemicals, biological samples, specialist gases, cryogens (pressurised dewars) and low level radioactive sources;
  • Experience of working in a large science/technical, multi-disciplinary environment;
  • Good working knowledge of HSE legislation, risk assessments and COSHH;
  • Ability to interact with people at all levels;
  • Supervisory skills;
  • Ability to work on own initiative;
  • Good planning and organising skills;
  • Ability to carry out general electronic and engineering workshop tasks;
  • Ability to carry out a range of general tasks in chemical and biological laboratories;
  • Ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • HNC/ HND or equivalent qualification in appropriate subject such as science, mechanical/electrical etc;
  • General safety qualification i.e. NEBOSHH, IOSHH etc;
  • Experience of preparing risk and COSHH assessments;
  • Experience of working as an emergency controller, dealing with hazardous situation and first aid issues;
  • Experience of working a 24 hour shift pattern;
  • Experience of using fork lift trucks / powered trucks;
  • Ability to train users of standard laboratory and workshop equipment;
  • Ability to monitor and keep stock records;
  • Good IT skills – standard MS Office software.

Further Information

  • Experimental Hall Co-ordinators work on a regular 24 hour, 7 day, continuous year round shift system.

Applying for employment

For further details on applying for employment at Diamond, please visit our 'Application Form' page.

Appointments will be made depending on the skills and experience of the candidate. Electronic Diamond application forms in MS-Word are preferred. These should be emailed to recruitment@diamond.ac.uk



Other information