This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Principal Beamline Scientist, I05
Job Reference 114/17/TH
Post Type Full time, permanent
Division Physical Science
Salary information £53,219 to £62,611 (Discretionary range to £72,003)
Application deadline 19/11/2017


Job Description

We are looking for a Principal Beamline Scientist for the Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES) beamline I05 at Diamond, an experimental facility that provides intense radiation in the core range of 8 to 80 eV, and is dedicated to the determination of the electronic structure of complex materials. The beamline offers two experimental stations; one state of the art high-energy resolution branchline and a nano-ARPES branchline for band mapping in nanomaterials with a coarser energy resolution. ARPES is the most powerful and direct technique for revealing the energy-momentum dispersion relation of valence electrons in ordered solids, which is essential to unravel the mysteries of complex and technologically important materials. Our world-leading program supports scientific discoveries in various fields of physics including 2D materials, topological insulators, superconductors, semiconductors and exotic semimetals. 

The successful applicant will drive the development of the beamline to maintain the current leadership in high-resolution ARPES and will aim to expand the program on the nano-ARPES branch, currently in its development phase. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with a large user base in diverse scientific areas, will be encouraged to develop their own research program and foster links with the researchers developing currently the soft X-ray ARPES technique on the I09 instrument. The successful candidate will manage a team of beamline scientists and technicians to support user operations, will lead the instrumental development programme, and elaborate the long-term strategy for the beamline and ancillary equipment, including preparation laboratories.

Suitable candidates should have a PhD in physics, materials science or related disciplines, a significant post-doctoral experience using the ARPES technique as part of laboratory work or using large-scale facilities. Candidates must have an active research program in a field relevant to the use of the ARPES technique, be able to highlight their personal contributions to research publications and demonstrate international recognition for their work.

Duties - To design, build and operate a world class beamline. The core duties and responsibilities of Principal Beamline Scientists (PBS’s) include, as appropriate and as agreed with a Science Director:

  • lead the design, build and commissioning of one or more beamlines including a continual programme of short term (1 year) and long term (3-5 year) upgrades and state of the art developments;
  • direct the operation of one or more beamlines with full responsibility for scheduling, beamline maintenance, user interaction, advice and involvement in beamtime and measurement methodology, data reduction/analysis and advice on publications;
  • the development of appropriate support laboratories and the management of the peripheral space;
  • responsible for safety on the beamline and peripheral labs; through production of risk assessments, personnel safety system documentation (including user training) and ensuring good practice;
  • the establishment and management of the beamline team of staff;
  • leadership of the Technical Working Group and establishment/support of the User Working group;
  • coordination (financial, technical, scientific, resource management, build, commissioning and documentation) of complex operations projects across many groups within Diamond;
  • the production of original presentation slides, monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports as required;
  • involvement in preparation and scientific direction of long term strategic planning for Diamond through long term (5-10 year) vision statements;
  • develop the beamline user community, to encourage high profile science programmes from across the world to use the diamond facilities;
  • develop and present training seminars and workshops, production of original documentation for doctoral training, summer schools and other seminars;
  • outreach to a wide variety of stakeholders including VIP visits, the local community and the wider scientific community;
  • administrative responsibilities within Diamond; including scientific advisory committee review preparation, budget preparation, chairing interview panels, grade review boards and job evaluation. Related external duties including peer review of publications;
  • develop own in house research programme including supervision of doctoral students.

PBS’s may also be required to undertake additional management responsibilities as agreed with a Science Director. 

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
  • Second degree in appropriate subject;
  • Suitable candidates should have a PhD in physics, materials science or related disciplines, a significant post-doctoral experience using the ARPES technique as part of laboratory work or using large-scale facilities;
  • Must have an active research program in a field relevant to the use of the ARPES technique, be able to highlight their personal contributions to research publications and demonstrate international recognition for theirwork;
  • Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of ARPES;
  • Proven experience in the successful management of staff;
  • Experience with Windows/ Linux;
  • Ability to successfully motive and manage a small team;
  • A proven track record of research in the appropriate field of synchrotron radiation science related to the beamline;
  • Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
  • Good interpersonal and presentational skills;
  • Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
  • Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Self motivated;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Commissioning and operation of an ARPES beamline;
  • Beamline instrumentation and optics experience;
  • Project management experience.

Further Information

  • 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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