This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Beamline Scientist / Senior Beamline Scientist, BLI13
Job Reference 096/17/TH
Post Type Full time, permanent
Division Physical Science
Salary information £32,480 to £38,211 (Discretionary range to £43,943) and £41,878 to £49,268 (Discretionary range to £56,658) for appointment at the Senior level
Application deadline 30/09/2017


Job Description

Beamline I13 has two branchlines dedicated to imaging and coherence and has been operational since October 2011. The scientific applications for the two independently operating beamline branches relate to imaging in real space (X-ray microscopy; absorption, phase contrast and ultrafast tomography) and reciprocal space (coherent X-ray diffraction imaging).

This position is dedicated to the coherence branchline. The scientific program for coherent imaging is currently being developed with a strong emphasis on ptychography, and further development of Bragg-CDI technique in a second phase.

We are looking for a Scientist / Senior Scientist with experience in coherent imaging, ideally in ptychography or Bragg-CDI. The candidate must be actively engaged in a research programme in at least one of the following areas: materials science, bio-medical research, energy science, environmental science and geology, chemistry or engineering.  The research ideally can be carried out on both branchlines of I13 with the opportunity of multiscale imaging. The candidate will proactively seek collaboration in their area of research, engage in collaborative research activities with the Diamond users and develop the branchline instrumentation in conjunction with the principal beamline scientist. Strong interpersonal skills are required for the work with beamline users and the capability to integrate with a beamline team. The candidate is expected to be highly motivated, able to work independently, and have experience of interacting effectively with support staff.

For appointment at the Senior Beamline Scientist level, significant synchrotron experience in imaging and/or coherent diffraction imaging is required or the candidate must demonstrate an internationally recognized research program.

[1] C. Rau et al. Physica Status Solidi (a) 208 (11). Issue 11 2522-2525 10.1002/pssa.201184272

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

  • Carry out collaborative research with Diamond users and other Diamond scientists to develop the scientific program and increase the international profile of the beamline;
  • Local contact support to users by setting up the beamline, providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques;
  • Carry out own research in an area relevant to the beamline and disseminate through publications and presentations;
  • Work with the software teams (instrument control, data acquisition and data analysis) and the principal beamline scientist to develop software for experiments and deliver a user friendly environment for users and automatic data analysis pipelines;
  • Design, procurement, testing, installation, assembly, and maintenance of a range of equipment and systems at the beamline, including testing and commissioning;
  • Procurement of straightforward beamline components;
  • Liaise with the suppliers of the beamline components.

Additional duties for appointment at the Senior Beamline Scientist level:

  • Lead a significant research  program and develop expertise to become internationally recognised through publications and presentations of own work (and collaborations) in an area relevant to beamline;
  • Lead the development strategy for software on the beamline and represent the beamline in joint activities with other beamlines;
  • To lead the design, procurement, testing, installation and commissioning of particular significant items for the beamline or instrumentation which would enhance or improve its capability;
  • Enhance the operation of the facility by collaboration and dissemination of specialist knowledge with the other Diamond staff and users.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
  • Second degree in appropriate subject;
  • Relevant synchrotron research experience;
  • Experience or knowledge of synchrotrons;
  • Experience of beamline instrumentation;
  • Experience in coherence, microscopy, imaging or tomography;
  • Experience of software packages and programming;
  • Successful scientific publication record;
  • Self-motivated with the ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentational skills with the ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of-hours working;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.

For appointment at the Senior Beamline Scientist level, candidates will have significant expertise of synchrotron imaging. 

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

(All below, Essential for appointment at the Senior level)

  • Experience of beamline design, construction and commissioning;
  • Experience in ptychography or Bragg-CDI, data analysis, including reconstruction techniques;
  • Experience in additional techniques such as tomography or fluorescence;
  • Experience of managing a beamline for users;
  • Ability to effectively engage with and manage a small team;
  • Project management experience.

Further Information

  • Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of-hours working;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.

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



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