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 research facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science.  

The aim of the project is to develop and characterise high resolution focusing optics for synchrotron radiation beamlines. 

We have a vacancy for a PDRA to assist in the design, fabrication and test of refractive micro- and nano-focusing optics at Diamond. You will have a grasp of optics and instrumentation, and be willing to carry out an experimental programme for the test and exploitation of high resolution synchrotron focusing optics. The PDRA will liaise between Diamond and micro-fabrication facilities in order to supervise fabrication of refractive optics for Diamond beamlines. You will assist in the successful characterisation of the new optics in Diamond beamlines. The PDRA will contribute substantially towards achieving nano-focused x-ray beams at Diamond.  

• To assist in the design of nano- focusing and collimating X-ray lenses;
• To liaise with micro-fabrication laboratories for the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures made in different materials;
• To take part in the experimental validation of the new developed optics;
• To work closely and interact successfully with Diamond scientists and external partners towards the success of the project;
• To carry out own research in an area relevant to synchrotron optics and instrumentation;
• To publish work in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications and Experience: Essential

• PhD in physics, material science or related disciplines; or equivalent qualification or experience;
• Knowledge of x-ray material properties and optics;
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Self motivation;
• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.

Qualifications and Experience: Desirable

• Experience in synchrotron radiation experiments;
• Experience of x-ray systems and instrumentation;
• Experience of numerical modelling or simulation of beam propagation, diffraction, reflection and refraction;
• Experience in advanced x-ray optics;
• Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix;
• Experience of project management.

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