We are looking for a Principal Beamline Scientist to lead the hard x-ray nanoprobe beamline.

Beamline I14 provides nanoscale x-rays for scanning X-ray fluorescence, X-ray spectroscopy (XANES), diffraction and imaging (e.g. ptychography).  The central theme of the beamline is the ability to obtain structural and chemically-specific information on a full range of materials under both static and real (e.g. wet, heated, in-situ strain) conditions.  The beamline took first users in March 2017 and successfully completed its first user allocation period in March 2018. The successful applicant will be responsible for all aspects of the beamline including the continued commissioning and optimization of the beamline and the development of the user community for this new facility. The successful candidate will manage a team of scientists and technicians to support user operation, will lead the instrumental development programme and shape the long-term strategy for the beamline.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their own, internationally leading, research program using high-resolution x-ray microscopy and foster links with researchers in the Imaging and Microscopy Group (I08, J08, I12, I13-1, I13-2, I14, DIAD and ePSIC)

Suitable candidates should have significant experience using scanning probe X-rays techniques at large-scale facilities (microfocus/nanofocus XRF, XRD or ptychography). Candidates must have an active research program in a field relevant to the nanoprobe beamline, be able to highlight their personal contributions to research publications and demonstrate international recognition for their work.

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

• lead the design, build and commissioning of one or more beamlines and/or 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 the schedule, beamline maintenance, user support, advice and involvement in beamtime and measurement methodology, data reduction/analysis and advice on publications;
• prime responsibility for safety on the beamline and peripheral labs; including risk assessments, personnel safety system documentation and ensuring good practice;
• budgetary responsibility for the beamline operations and relevant upgrade projects;
• lead the development of appropriate beamline support laboratories and the management of the peripheral space;
• the establishment, management and professional development 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 beamline operations projects across many groups within Diamond;
• beamline reporting; produce internal and external reports as required;
• contribute to scientific direction of long term strategic planning for Diamond in area of expertise through long term (5-10 year) vision statements;
• maximise the impact of the beamline by engagement with the best user groups from across the world;
• stakeholder engagement; develop and present training seminars, workshops and summer schools.  Outreach to a wide variety of stakeholders including VIP visits, the local community and the wider scientific community;
• other management responsibilities including scientific advisory committee review preparation, beamline budget preparation, chairing interview panels, grade review boards and job evaluation. Related external duties including peer review of publications;
• develop own internationally competitive in-house research programme including supervision of doctoral students;
• PBSs may also be required to undertake additional management responsibilities as agreed with a Science Director. 

• Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
• Second degree (PhD) in an appropriate subject;
• Suitable candidates should have significant experience using scanning probe X-ray techniques at large-scale facilities (microfocus/nanofocus XRF, XRD, ptychography);
• Must have an active research program in a field relevant to the use of the nanoprobe beamline, be able to highlight their personal contributions to research publications and demonstrate international recognition for their work
• Demonstrated expertise in x-ray microscopy;
• Proven experience in the successful management of staff;
• Experience with Windows/ Linux;
• Project management experience including budgetary and resource management responsibility for large projects;
• 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 and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Self motivated;
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences and able to work occasionally out of regular office hours;
• Good organisational and planning skills.

• Commissioning and operation of an x-ray microscopy beamline.