We require a self-motivated candidate to work as a senior support scientist on laser projects supporting research at Diamond Light Source. The science is related to structural and electronic changes that occur on timescales of femtoseconds to microseconds and are vital to the performance of a wide range of dynamic systems, including optoelectronics, catalysis, ultrafast phase transitions and biological function. The main role is for a new project to purchase, commission and operate infra-red lasers (QCL) and a high rep-rate femtosecond laser which will be housed in the Research Complex next to Diamond. The role will require supporting preliminary experiments which then will be moved to a Diamond beamline for a specific pump-probe and time resolved measurement. The work will involve working across a number of different beamlines with user groups, the staff of the Central Laser Facility, and with different beamline teams and other staff at Diamond to ensure laser support and instrument developments. A further major part of the role will be spent, maintaining and operating a similar suite of femtosecond Coherent lasers in the I06 laser cabin. This is a full time permanent role and requires someone with laser (and ideally) X-ray experience and expertise. 

Duties - Support in the use of lasers in experiments on beamlines and developing new laser instrumentation with Diamond staff and the Central Laser Facility (CLF). This position involves working on the femtosecond laser systems and developing new systems.

Laser Operations

• Operation, calibration and maintenance of lasers from UV, visible light, near infrared to THz ranges;
• Support in the use of lasers for user experiments on beamlines including fixed lasers in a beamline/cabin and those installed temporarily on a beamline or lab;
• Purchasing of standard laser components and optics;
• Play an active role in assembling, optimising, and installing Diamond’s Laser Systems;
• Working with DLS and CLF teams to deliver laser requirements before and during scheduled beam time.

Development

• Provide specialist expertise in lasers to scientists and engineers during the procurement of laser and associated equipment;
• Specifying the requirements, designing and commissioning of new laser systems and other future systems;
• Leading the future development of new systems and currently installed lasers;
• Working with DLS and CLF teams in development of science programmes;
• Develop expertise in lasers and time-resolved experiments in collaboration with the user community and Diamond staff.

Safety

• Laser Responsible Officer for safe operation of lasers under supervision.

• Experience in the use of lasers;
• Experience in specification and development of laser instrumentation;
• Experience with Windows/ Linux/Unix;
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact with staff and facility users at all levels;
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Self-motivation;
• Must be able to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working;
• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.

• Appropriate PhD degree or equivalent qualification or experience;
• Knowledge of synchrotron radiation techniques;
• Experience in laboratory work;
• Experience in programming;
• Experience in the relevant area of science, e.g. spectroscopy, ultrafast science.

• Must be able to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working;
• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.