This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Accelerator Physicist
Job Reference DIA0890/NH
Post Type
Division Technical
Salary information Circa £33,000, dependent on experience
Application deadline 11/12/2013


Job Description

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.

The Diamond facility employs three accelerators a 100 MeV linac, a 3 GeV booster synchrotron and a 562 m circumference, low emittance, 3 GeV storage ring. Diamond is now seeking a permanent Accelerator Physicist to work in the Accelerator Physics Group within the Diamond Technical Division.

  • The key duties of the post are as follows:
  • Provide accelerator physics (AP) support for Diamond operations and perform machine characterisation studies during machine development shifts;
  • Carry out theoretical studies to model, understand, and optimise the performance of the Diamond accelerators under all required operating conditions;
  • Contribute to beam dynamics studies in order to better characterise the Diamond storage ring with the aim of improving the machine performance;
  • Contribute to development of high-level software applications for machine operations and code development for accelerator physics studies;
  • Responsible for investigating AP aspects of reported photon beam movements and remedies, liaising with Diagnostics Group and Beamline Scientists as appropriate;
  • Responsible for AP studies and measurements related to girder alignment issues, liaising with the Survey Team, Engineering Group, Diagnostics Group and Beamline Scientists;
  • Contribute to the design of the DDBA (Double-Double Bend Achromat) lattice upgrade for Diamond with numerical studies;
  • Prepare the high level software required for DDBA commissioning and contribute to the commissioning of the DDBA optics;
  • Contribute to AP studies of a possible Diamond-II upgrade;
  • Contribute to any future Linac and Free-Electron Laser (FEL) simulations;
  • Responsible for genetic optimiser software tool development for transfer line, storage ring lattice and FEL optimization studies;

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Qualified to PhD level in an appropriate branch of physics;
  • Experience in Accelerator Physics, including beam dynamics and high level software applications;
  • Practical experience with the operation of accelerators and carrying out independent experimental research;
  • Understanding of orbit correction systems and alignment issues to ensure the best performance of the machine;
  • Practical experience of high performance computing, advanced optimization software and its application to modelling and operation of accelerators;
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written;
  • Ability to solve technical problems, evaluating alternative courses of action and innovating where necessary;
  • Self-motivation and a willingness to take responsibility;
  • Ability to work effectively alone and without direct supervision, or as part of a team;

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Experience with simulation and optimisation of ultra low emittance lattices;
  • Knowledge and experience of collective effects;
  • Knowledge and experience of Linacs and FELs;
  • Experience of project management and planning;

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to work flexibly with occasional out-of hours and week-end working during start-up, machine development and commissioning periods;
  • Must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences;

Further Information

Applying for employment

For further details on applying for employment at Diamond, please visit our 'Application Form' page.

Appointments will be made depending on the skills and experience of the candidate. Electronic Diamond application forms in MS-Word are preferred. These should be emailed to recruitment@diamond.ac.uk



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