The Dual Imaging and Diffraction (DIAD) beamline will be a dual beam instrument capable of quasi-simultaneous micron-scale imaging and diffraction. DIAD is expected to become operational in January 2020.  The properties of many materials depend on the interaction between microstructure, mechanical or chemical state, phase and composition. All of these factors vary dynamically under the influence of mechanical load, temperature, electrical potential, growth, etc. With DIAD’s combined imaging and micro diffraction facility we will be able to study and characterise materials and processes from a wide variety of scientific fields such as soft tissues and implants, geology, mineralogy, engineering and material science, electrochemistry, plant biology, and others under dynamic conditions. The beamline consists of a highly integrated instrument for tomography and micro-diffraction; thanks to a sophisticated beamline design both techniques can be used simultaneously. DIAD will be equipped with a suite of custom-made sample environments to allow many of the processes described above to be studied in situ. Key to achieving successful experiments will be the software and hardware integration of the beamline components to produce a functional and easy to operate single unit. Diamond has its own control and data-acquisition support groups who provide the required software systems common at large facilities. 

The successful candidate will have responsibility for the functional layout of the DIAD data-acquisition, storage and analysis workflow during design, construction and commissioning phases. They will oversee and coordinate the software activities provided by our support groups ensuring a user-friendly, functionally coherent and maintainable system is being delivered. They will also take part in the commissioning of the instrument with a particular focus on the sample environment instrumentation. Following commissioning they will contribute to the user operation of the beamline (through local contact duties), maintain and upgrade beamline components and build their own scientific research program for which in-house beamtime is made available. The role requires communication with electrical and mechanical engineers as well as with control and data-acquisition engineers.

The successful candidate will be part of a world-class facility working closely with internal staff and external scientists and will be able to communicate with teams of technicians, engineers and software support. A hands-on attitude and a flexible approach are very important to be able to cope with the dynamics of the task. You will be actively working at the beamline, although some office work is required at times.

• Participate in the design of beamline equipment;
• Assist in the installation, assembly, and maintenance of a range of equipment and systems on the beamline and support laboratories;
• Participate in beamline testing and commissioning;
• Liaise with the suppliers of the beamline components;
• Assist in undertaking problem solving and fault diagnosis of the beamline;
• Produce reports and documentation (e.g. manuals, web-pages) to support the beamline;
• Maintain parts of the beamline during operations;
• Maintain the support laboratories;
• Local contact support to users by setting up and providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques;
• Collaborate with users and in house staff within area of expertise;
• A key role is the responsible coordination of the data-acquisition and analysis workflow in close communication with the relevant support teams.

• Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
• Second degree in appropriate subject;
• Good knowledge of mechanical and electrical basics of various sample environment;
• Good knowledge of measurement of various environment observables (pressure, temperature, voltage);
• Basic knowledge of motion hardware;
• Basic knowledge of detector hardware;
• Very good understanding in instrument control;
• Experience in synchrotron based imaging or diffraction techniques;
• Excellent analytical skills in order to penetrate and develop the complex soft-and hardware architecture;
• Ability to extract the essential features from a complex system of software elements;
• Ability to understand the functional requirements of a complicated instrument and match them against the input/output of the control software;
• Good communication skills, friendly though resolute;
• 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 team of people from various support groups not directly reporting to you through efficient communication and clear specifications.

• Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.