Beamline B24 is a full field cryo X-ray microscopy beamline dedicated to the collection of Xray tomographic data on biological samples. In parallel, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques are currently established onsite offering a unique opportunity to collect and correlate imaging data across instruments extending thus the depth and detail of the information obtained.

We are seeking to recruit a Senior Support Scientist to join the B24 team. The post holder is expected to help with the operation and development of the beamline through contributing to user support, participation in the in-house research and development programme and general house-keeping tasks (instrument support,  maintaining webpages and up keep of beamline documentation). The post holder is expected to aid in the design, construction, installation and commissioning of beamline modules.

Candidates should ideally have an excellent understanding of current biomedical research requirements, experience in cellular microscopy (preferably cryo-microscopy of biological samples) and be familiar with synchrotron radiation beamlines. Experience in fluorescence microscopy as well as life science research (tissue culture, sample handling and processing) and logistics is desirable. Training will be provided where necessary.

This post provides an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic person to contribute to the continued success of a world-leading scientific facility.

The successful candidate will contribute in the commissioning, routine operation and user support at B24 and actively work with the B24 team to develop and promote bespoke microscopy implementations in response to the requirements of the user community.

Duties / Responsibilities

Provide technical and scientific support to the beamline’s user programme to ensure effective use of Diamond facilities by all users. Provide cover for scheduling of user beamtime. Assist in developing beamline capabilities and support infrastructure in collaboration with other staff.

To support B24 in the following areas:

• Local contact support to users by setting up and providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data collection/analysis and research techniques;
• Assist in problem solving and fault diagnosis of the beamline;
• Contribute to operational support of the beamline (e.g. instrument support, maintenance and general upkeep);
• Contribute to the in-house research programme and publications;
• Support research work of external users and contribute to publications;
• Work closely with other scientific and technical staff in the development of B24 through  designs for  new systems, equipment or processes;
• Produce reports and documentation (e.g. manuals, webpages, social media) to support the beamline;
• Present beamline developments and scientific papers at meetings and conferences;
• Carry out administrative tasks in support of user scheduling for the beamline.

• Appropriate first degree;
• Second degree in appropriate subject;
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact effectively and diplomatically with staff and facility users at all levels;
• Ability to design, plan, organise, and implement projects and tasks within an allotted timeframe;
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of a problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Strong organisational skills and methodical record keeping;
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of-hours working;
• Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix;
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences;
• Relevant Postgraduate degree in science (or ability to demonstrate significant relevant experience;
• Relevant microscopy experience;
• Track record of  research in the biological sciences;
• Communication skills;
• Interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of synchrotron/microscopy instrumentation;
• Programming skills in Python or related;
• Familiarity with microscopy data analysis software;
• Have worked with biological samples at cryogenic conditions;
• Project management experience;
• Experience of X-ray measurements using synchrotrons.