Duties

Diamond Light Source is a new synchrotron and a leading scientific facility of its type in the world. Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire, we host facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science.

Beamline I03 is dedicated to determining the structures of biological macromolecules using X-ray diffraction. The beamline is easily tuneable over a wide energy range to allow for phasing using multiple and single wavelength anomalous diffraction methods. One of the aims for the beamline is to make data collection as easy and streamlined as possible by providing a robotic sample changer for sample loading, software to assist in data collection, fully automated data processing and a database to record experimental information. The other major objective for I03 is to provide a safe environment for the study of pathogenic samples. Specialised air-handling and decontamination systems have been installed and operation at Containment Level 3 will begin within the next year.

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or related fields, preferably with some synchrotron research experience, and is expected to initiate a competitive programme of research in an area relevant to the beamline activities (macromolecular crystallography or related areas of research). In addition the beamline scientist will assist the principal beamline scientist with the operation and maintenance of the beamline.

The Rutherford Appleton site with its world leading facilities, including Diamond, ISIS and CLF offers a highly multidisciplinary environment. Structural biology research is supported by the current suite of five MX beamlines and associated biology laboratories including the Membrane Protein Laboratory (MPL) and the adjacent Research Complex at Harwell which will host a range of life and physical science activities exemplified by the recent installation of CCP4 and OPPF-UK (the recently established national facility for protein production and crystallization). This position offers an exceptional opportunity to establish a competitive research programme in a multidisciplinary world leading scientific environment.

To work in collaboration with the Principal Beamline Scientist in the optimisation, operation, and upgrading of MX Beamline I03, working closely with other scientists within the MX group and the relevant support groups within Diamond.

Working in support of the Principal Beamline Scientist for I03 in the following areas:

• Optimisation and maintenance of beamline equipment and operations;
• Assist in the commissioning and operation of the containment level 3 (CL3) facility at the beamline;
• Contribute to risk assessment and hazard analysis exercises;
• Perform local contact and out of hours support across the MX beamlines by providing users with advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques;
• Participate in projects to improve and upgrade the facilities provided on the beamline by working closely with other scientific and technical staff to produce designs for new systems, equipment or processes;
• Co-ordinate relationships with suppliers to procure and deliver services, equipment or expertise;
• Carry out a programme of research in an area relevant to the MX beamlines.

For appointment at Senior Beamline Scientist level:

To work in collaboration with the Principal Beamline Scientist in the optimisation, operation, and upgrading of MX Beamline I03. The role holder will input to the design and development of new systems for the beamline and will co-ordinate people and financial resource to deliver work on time and within budget.

Working in support of the Principal Beamline Scientist for I03 in the following areas:

• Optimisation and maintenance of beamline equipment and operations;
• Contribute to the development of new systems and approaches through identification of possible improvements;
• Lead in the delivery of significant packages of project work, co-ordinating internal and external resource to deliver the project on time and to budget;
• Provide operational support and analysis of operational systems, including fault diagnosis and resolution;
• Assist in the commissioning and operation of the containment level 3 (CL3) facility at the beamline;
• Contribute to risk assessment and hazard analysis exercises;
• Perform local contact and out of hours support across the MX beamlines by providing users with advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques;
• Contribute to the success of Diamond as an organisation through conducting structured programmes of research and promoting findings both internally and externally.

Qualifications and Experience: Essential

• Appropriate First Degree;
• Relevant Postgraduate degree (or ability to demonstrate significant relevant experience);
• Experience of macromolecular crystallography data collection at a synchrotron;
• Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix;
• 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 the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Able to work on the beamline during Category 3 experiments and to perform assigned duties;
• Strong organisational skills and methodical record keeping;
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of-hours working.

Qualifications and Experience: Desirable

• Experience of MX beamline user support (essential for appointment at the higher level)
• Experience of the commissioning and operation of macromolecular crystallography x-ray equipment ("home source" or synchrotron beamline), (essential for appointment at the higher level)
• Experience of beamline instrumentation and optics, (essential for appointment at the higher level)
• Experience of project management, (essential for appointment at the higher level)
• Experience in biological safety and containment;
• Experience in Python and/or Java programming.

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