This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Software Engineer / Graduate Software Engineer
Job Reference DIA0951/TH
Post Type Full time / Permanent
Division Life Science
Salary information Competitive
Application deadline 14/09/2014


Job Description

The UK’s national synchrotron science facility, Diamond Light Source, conducts world-class research in virtually all fields of science. Located 20 minutes from Oxford, it sits in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers rewarding career opportunities.

Software Engineer - Support and enhance the data acquisition software used on Diamond’s beamlines. Work with beamline scientists and users of Diamond to understand their requirements; implement new functionality, and enhance and streamline existing functionality. Be actively involved in the development of the core GDA framework.

  • Develop, test, maintain and support the GDA software on Diamond’s beamlines, in collaboration with beamline staff, other members of the Data Acquisition group, and the Scientific Software group;
  • Provide first line support of the software for beamlines, interacting closely with both beamline staff and external users;
  • Enhance the core GDA framework to make it robust, adaptable, and easy to use by developers;
  • Provide a technical advisory/support function to other departments;
  • Use technical and professional knowledge to identify opportunities for technical or process improvement;
  • Undertake research or development work within parameters determined by more senior roles, and with regular review of progress;
  • Maintain responsibility for the management and coordination of own workload, and ensure outputs are delivered on time and to high quality.


Graduate Software Engineer - Support and enhance the data acquisition software used on Diamond’s beamlines. Work with more experienced DAQ and staff beamline scientists to understand their requirements; implement new functionality, and enhance and streamline existing functionality. Be actively involved in the development of the core GDA framework.

  • Assist your line manager to develop, test, maintain and support the GDA software on Diamond’s beamlines, in collaboration with beamline staff, other members of the Data Acquisition group, and the Scientific Software and other groups;
  • Software development will be performed in accordance with the procedures and practises of the Data Acquisition team as directed by your line manager;
  • Provide first line support of the software for beamlines, interacting closely with both beamline staff and external users. Including fault diagnosis and resolution;
  • Undertake research or development work within parameters determined by more senior roles, and with regular review of progress;
  • Maintain responsibility for the management and coordination of own workload, and ensure outputs are delivered on time and to high quality;
  • Enhance the core GDA framework to make it robust, adaptable, and easy to use by developers.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

Software Engineer:

  • First degree in engineering or science;
  • Experienced professional with significant post-qualification experience in technical software engineering;
  • Significant relevant experience of Python, Java, C++ or C#;

Graduate Software Engineer: 

  • Experience of object oriented languages such as Java, C, C++, C# or Python.

Essential for both roles:

  • Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
  • Good interpersonal, communication  and presentational skills;
  • Conscientious and pays attention to details;
  • Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
  • Self motivated;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences;
  • Ability to work on own initiative and take personal responsibility for delivery of work packages.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

Software Engineer:

  • PhD in science;
  • Skilled in developing UI applications (especially in Java's Eclipse RCP);
  • Excellent technical/theoretical understanding of methods, systems and approaches relating to technical software engineering;
  • Experience in managing significant projects, co-ordinating internal/external resources and managing associated budgets;

Graduate Software Engineer:

  • Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification
  • Experience in developing UI applications

Desirable for both roles:

  • Experience of UNIX-like operating systems and their administration;
  • Experience of interfacing software to hardware.

Further Information

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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