Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. Located at Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, we enable world-leading research across a wide range of scientific disciplines and industrial applications.

Beamline I13 is one of the latest beamlines, dedicated to imaging and coherence and will be operational from October 2011. The scientific applications for the two independently operating beamline branches relate to imaging in real (X-ray microscopy; absorption & phase contrast tomography) and reciprocal space (coherent X-ray diffraction imaging). Micro- and nano-structured materials from different scientific fields such as biology, materials science or earth science will be studied in the energy range of 6-30keV. The project is unique in many aspects. The 250m long beamline provides space in large hutches for advanced experimental methods, new electron optics (mini-beta) and X-ray optics have been developed along the project. The beamline team closely partners with Manchester University who co-fund the appointment, providing interesting academic opportunities.

We require a Scientist with experience in data acquisition and/or imaging analysis. You will support visiting scientists in carrying out their experiments and help to analyse the results. Programming skills and knowledge of imaging processing are essential. Experience with large scale facility instrumentation (such as synchrotrons) is advantageous. You will be in close contact with the beamline users, therefore good interpersonal and communication skills are required.

Working in support of the Principal Beamline Scientist in the following areas:

• Supporting beamline users in scientific experiments and data evaluation,
• Evaluate and eventually develop software accordingly to the scientific needs of the beamline. Acquiring expertise in imaging software is essential,
• Assist in preparation of experiments in connection with beamline users,
• Assist in beamline operation,
• Interact closely with the I13 collaborating university,
• Liaise with suppliers of equipment relevant to assigned task,
• Eventually assist in design, procurement, testing, installation and commissioning of beamline components, instrumentation and sample environment.

• Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification,
• Experience in imaging/tomography data analyses,
• Experience of software packages and programming,
• Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion,
• Good interpersonal, communication  and presentational skills,
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels,
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out-of hours working,
• Self motivation,
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Second degree in appropriate subject, 
• Relevant synchrotron research experience,
• Experience or knowledge of synchrotrons,
• Experience of beamline instrumentation,
• Notions about coherence, microscopy, imaging or tomography,
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.