I20 is a beamline consisting of two x-ray spectrometers that can operate independently. The I20-scanning branch is based on a high energy resolution scanning spectrometer that provides a very intense photon beam with high spectral purity. This branchline is particularly suited for the study of samples where the species of interest is in very low concentration or is embedded in a very heavy matrix. The beamline is also used to perform high resolution XAS by using an x-ray emission spectrometer. The I20-EDE branch uses a dispersive geometry to collect x-ray absorption spectra with high time resolution, from seconds down to microseconds, so it is appropriate for the study of chemical processes.

It is expected that the Beamline Scientist will help the Principal Beamline Scientist with the maintenance and operation of the I20-scanning branch of the beamline. The successful candidate will also participate in the development and commissioning of new equipment: new instrumentation, novel sample environment devices, etc…. They will be expected to interact positively with the user community and provide a high level of expertise to support visiting research teams using the beamline. The successful applicant should have an independent research program in an area relevant to the beamline. In addition, the successful candidate will also actively participate in the maintenance and operation of the EDE branch of I20.

To collaborate with the Principal Beamline Scientist for the commissioning and operation of the beamline. Work closely with other scientists and support groups within Diamond to ensure smooth operation of the beamline providing beam time to the scientific user community.

• Provide operational support for the beamline, including responsibility for the day-to-day safe operation of the beamline, interact closely with the users of the facility;
• Act as a single point of contact (Local Contact) for a proportion of user experiments providing specialist technical/scientific advice;
• Collaborate on beamline upgrades and development projects, including taking specific responsibility for certain components of the beamline such as the design, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning phases;
• Manage the day-to-day coordination of support groups at Diamond to implement beamline upgrade projects, to improve the quality of the beamline, develop solutions for emerging problems, and ensure its smooth operation;
• Develop own research in an area relevant to the beamline and disseminate the results;
• Procurement of beamline components, including writing system specifications, the management of contracts and liaison with suppliers;
• Manage the development, procurement, testing, installation, and maintenance of bespoke scientific equipment and software to perform novel experiments on the beamline and the peripheral laboratory;
• Advise on the development of data acquisition, visualization and analysis software and be involved in commissioning of new software;
• Give advice to users on proposal submissions and help develop the user community;
• Actively participate in beamline reviews including preparation of documentation, contributing to identify areas for improvement;
• When required perform duties for the wider organisation: e.g. membership of interview panels, committees or working groups;
• Promote Diamond externally; including for example public outreach activity and engaging with the scientific community;
• Assist in the long-term development of the beamline in specific area of expertise.

• Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
• PhD degree/Second degree in biology, chemistry, materials science, physics or related discipline;
• Relevant synchrotron research experience;
• Experience and knowledge of synchrotrons;
• Experience and knowledge in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Emission techniques;
• Experience in beamline X-ray optics and X-ray instrumentation, including X-ray detectors;
• Independent research program in an area relevant to the beamline;
• Demonstrated ability to develop an independent research program and successful scientific publication record;
• Good interpersonal, communication  and presentational skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with staff and facility users at all levels, providing a high level of expertise;
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working;
• 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 available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences;
• Excellent observational skills;
• Good organizational and planning skills. 

• Post-doctoral experience in a relevant science area: chemistry, physics, material science;
• Ability to manage a small team;
• Experience in other synchrotron based techniques: x-ray diffraction, small angle scattering;
• Experience of beamline design and construction;
• Experience in supporting Scientists in the conduct of research in a synchrotron or equivalent facility;
• Project management experience;
• Programming skills in Python and Java.

• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working;
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.