This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Beamline Scientist / Senior Beamline Scientist, VERSOX Beamline
Job Reference 0075/2016/TH
Post Type Full time, permanent
Division Physical Science
Salary information £32,158 to £37,833 (Discretionary range to £43,508) and £41,463 to £48,780 (Discretionary range to £56,097) for appointment at the higher level
Application deadline 12/09/2016


Job Description

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.

The Versatile Soft X-ray (VERSOX) beamline permits X-ray spectroscopy and imaging of light-element materials and also in-situ processing with electron, X-ray and optical sources under environmental conditions. The beamline-endstations will enable fundamental questions in the physical and life sciences to be addressed, for example, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Near Edge X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (NEXAFS). The photon energy range will cover elements in the first-row of the Periodic Table that include carbon, nitrogen and oxygen – central to many important materials including bio-molecules, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics, pigments, oxides, minerals and planetary rocks.

To support the Principal Beamline Scientist in the design, construction, installation, commissioning and operation of the beamline.

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

  • Installation, assembly, and maintenance of a range of equipment and systems on the beamline and support laboratories, including testing and commissioning;
  • Procurement of straightforward beamline components;
  • Liaise with the suppliers of the beamline components;
  • Local contact support to users by setting up and providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques once beamline operational;
  • Carry out own research in an area relevant to the beamline and disseminate through publications and presentations;
  • Assist in the development of a new item of equipment or system on the beamline, including testing and commissioning.

Additional duties for appointment at the senior level:

  • To lead the design, procurement, testing, installation and commissioning of particular significant items for the beamline or instrumentation which would enhance or improve its capability;
  • Procurement of significant beamline components;
  • Develop own research/technical expertise to become internationally recognised through publications and presentations for own work in an area relevant to beamline;
  • Enhance the operation of the facility by collaboration and dissemination of specialist knowledge with the other Diamond staff and users.
     

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
  • Second degree in appropriate subject;
  • PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline;
  • Relevant synchrotron research experience;
  • Experience of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotrons;
  • Knowledge of beamline instrumentation;
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: x-ray absorption spectroscopy, Surface Science, Materials Science.
  • Successful scientific publication record;
  • 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 work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Must be available to work occasionally out of regular office hours;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.

 

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Programming skills in Python and Java.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop a research program (Essential for appointment at the higher level);
  • Experience of beamline design and construction (Essential for appointment at the higher level);
  • Experience of managing a beamline for users (Essential for appointment at the higher level);
  • Project management experience (Essential for appointment at the higher level);
  • Ability to manage a small team (Essential for appointment at the higher level).

Further Information

  • Must be available to work occasionally out of regular office hours;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.

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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