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.

We are seeking a Principal Beamline Scientist of international stature to lead the Diamond I15 Extreme Conditions Beamline and I15-1 X-Ray Pair Distribution Function, a beamline to be built for the study of x-ray pair distributions. The person appointed will lead a group which provides a high quality user support programme and also will be expected to undertake a world-class research programme of extreme conditions research at the Diamond Light Source and other international facilities.
 
I15 offers a wide range of techniques based around the diamond-anvil cell and there are active developments in the areas of high-pressure single-crystal diffraction, low-temperature diffraction and detector implementations.  Large-volume methods are also planned in future. I15 will offer a wide range of on- and off-line laser facilities to complement diffraction techniques at high pressure.

To operate and maintain I15 as a world leading beamline for studies under extreme conditions. To design, build and optimise the I15-1 Phase III XPDF beamline within the I15 beamline footprint within minimum disruption to the I15 beamline and XPDF studies.  Pursue an internationally competitive research programme in a subject related to extreme conditions.

• Responsibility for continued efficient operation of the I15 beamline for users;
• Take overall responsibility for delivering the I15-1 XPDF beamline within the planned cost, capability and timescale;
• Responsibility for detailed development of the specification for the overall I15 layout and equipment required including detectors, the experimental hutch, optics hutch and front end;
• Responsibility for ongoing development of appropriate support laboratories and utilisation of peripheral space;
• Establish and manage the beamline team of staff for I15 and I15-1;
• Encourage users from new areas of science;
• Ensure that the beamline and associated facilities continue to meet the scientific requirements as agreed with the user community;
• Establish a world leading user research programme on all instruments within the I15 footprint;
• Undertake research in your own area;
• Plan future beamline development.

• Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
• Second degree in appropriate subject;
• Relevant synchrotron research experience;
• Experience in hard x-ray methods for extreme conditions research and structural analysis techniques;
• Significant experience of beamline design;
• Ability to manage a small team;
• A proven track record of research in the appropriate field of synchrotron radiation science related to the beamline;
• 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;
• Self motivated;
• Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences, as required.

• Project management experience.