Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. Located on the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire a 20 minute drive south of Oxford in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Diamond Light Source conducts world-class research in virtually all fields of science and offers rewarding career opportunities covering both technical and scientific disciplines. 

Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline (DIAD) – Maternity Cover
Diamond is currently designing a beamline for combined imaging and diffraction in the medium x-ray energy range which will study materials and processes under a wide range of conditions to link to a variety of scientific fields such as Soft Tissues and Implants, Geology, Palaeontology, Engineering and Material Science, Electrochemistry, and others.

Key to successful experiments is sample environment as it provides the external physical conditions and processes for in-situ studies. At synchrotron facilities, such studies are crucial to achieve high impact research. To this end, we operate and develop a variety of sample environment such as furnaces, mechanical test-rigs, pressure cells, cryostats and other environmental cells.

We are seeking an expert in the field of sample environment operation, maintenance and development. The important aspects for this job are excellent understanding of the electrical, mechanical and control characteristics of such devices, a proven record in setting up and operating in-situ equipment. Skill and technical creativity is very important, in order to enable the synchronisation of the device with the beamline hardware and to develop or improve user-friendly operation of complicated in-situ devices.

The successful candidate will be working in a world-class facility very closely to staff and external scientists and will be communicating with a team of technicians, engineers and software support teams. A hands-on attitude and a flexible mind are very important to be able to cope with the dynamics of the tasks. At no means are we offering a standard office job.
Although the position is limited to one year, Diamond is continuously offering new positions in Science or Engineering, for which this position may provide the crucial experience and knowledge.

To support the Beamline Staff Scientists in the installation, commissioning, functional integration and operation of various in-situ study equipment.

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

• Installation and maintenance of sample environment in collaboration with support teams;
• Responsibly managing control and data-acquisition work-flow for user-friendly operation and delegation and controlling to the relevant support groups;
• Improvement of mechanical, electrical and control aspects of sample environment in conjunction with the relevant support groups;
• Participating user and in-house research in the field of in-situ studies;
• Liaise with various suppliers of the sample environment components;
• Produce reports and documentation (e.g. manuals, web pages) to support the beamline;
• Assist in undertaking problem solving and fault diagnosis of the sample environment.

• Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
• Second degree in appropriate subject;
• Experience in in-depth maintaining and operating of sample environment;
• Good knowledge of mechanical and electrical basics of various sample environment;
• Good knowledge of measurement of various environment observables (pressure, temperature, voltage);
• Good understanding in instrument control;
• Skilful in assembly and repair of mechano-electrical components;
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Excellent observational skills;
• Good interpersonal, communication  and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
• Self motivated;
• Ability to manage a small team;
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.

• Ability to manage a small team.

• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.