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

B16- Diamond’s Test beamline – is a highly versatile and flexible beamline catering to diverse types of experiments. The beamline works in the 2-25 keV X-ray energy range and supports several operational modes and experimental techniques. The primary mandate of B16 is to facilitate technical developments in optics, detectors and instrumentation. This mandate is complemented well by a range of science based experiments. The range of science being pursued on B16 is diverse and varied. Rather than specialising in a narrow science area, B16 facilitates research in diverse areas, from material science to radiation physics/biology. Experiments based on different techniques including diffraction, reflectivity, imaging and topography are performed. Many of these research requires extensive technique development and or optimisation of the experiment setup.

We are seeking a self motivated candidate to work as a support scientist / senior support scientist on this beamline. They will be required to work within the beamline team and with other staff to ensure efficient beamline operation, user support and instrument developments. They will be expected to have a very good background in X-ray optics or X-ray instrumentation, including X-ray detectors.

• Local contact support to users by setting up and providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques;
• Assist in the procurement, installation, assembly, and maintenance of a range of equipment and systems on the beamline and support laboratories, including testing and commissioning;
• Produce reports and documentation (e.g. manuals) to support the beamline;
• Test samples sent to Diamond by users;
• Support of in-house research programmes;
• Maintenance of the beamline during operations;
• Assist in undertaking problem solving and fault diagnosis of the beamline.

Duties at Senior Level:

• Local contact support to users by setting up and providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques;
• Assist in the procurement, installation, assembly, and maintenance of a range of equipment and systems on the beamline and support laboratories, including testing and commissioning;
• Produce reports and documentation (e.g. manuals) to support the beamline;
• Test samples sent to Diamond by users;
• Support of in-house research programmes;
• Maintenance of the beamline during operations;
• Assist in undertaking problem solving and fault diagnosis of the beamline;
• Measurement of samples including data analysis and contribution to publications;
• Develop and maintain expertise in a scientific field (e.g. X-ray optics), and apply it to user support;
• Collaborate with users and in house staff within area of expertise;
• Development of new instrumentation, equipment and software to upgrade the performance of the beamline.
 

• Appropriate Science Degree;
• Experience in the use of scientific instrumentation;
• Experience in scientific data collection; 
• Knowledge of synchrotron radiation techniques; 
• Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix; 
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills; 
•  Ability to interact with staff and facility users at all levels;
•  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 within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.

For appointment at the senior / higher level, candidates should in addition have:

• Appropriate PhD and three years relevant experience;
• Experience in supporting Scientists in the conduct of research in a synchrotron or equivalent facility;
• Good background in X-ray optics or X-ray instrumentation, including X-ray detectors;
• Capability of providing full data analysis to the users.

• Good organisational and planning skills;
• Experience in synchrotron radiation;
• Experience in micro- / nano- focusing x-ray optics, imaging or topography;
• Experience in programming.