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Job Title Detector Scientist
Job Reference DIA0897/TH
Post Type
Division Science
Salary information Circa £33k
Application deadline 09/02/2014
Date of interviews 28/02/2014


Job Description

Diamond Light Source is a world leading synchrotron radiation facility. Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire, we host research facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science.

The detector group is in charge of the construction, installation, commissioning, and operation of the detector systems of the beamlines of Diamond. In order to provide the best detectors to the forthcoming beamlines the group is committed to a number of detector evaluation and development projects.

The availability of a test beamline at Diamond allows the detector group to evaluate the performance of innovating detector technologies and their application to synchrotron X-ray experiments. Close cooperation with the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory enables access to other world-class facilities as well as the interaction with world-leading detector developers.

The successful candidate will join a highly dynamic group working at the cutting edge of detector technology. The main responsibility of the successful candidate will be the maintenance and further development of semiconductor spectroscopy grade detector systems presently installed on the beam lines. The position is offered for an initial three year term full time appointment. The position could become permanent depending on performance and funding availability.

To assist the Detector Group in the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of detectors and associated electronics for synchrotron X-ray experiments.

  • Specification and design of the detector systems to be installed in the beam lines under construction;
  • Contribute to the success of Diamond as an organization undertaking world leading research in the area of detector science along the guide lines given by the management;
  • Develop and apply expertise in technologies such as sensors, detector read-out, detector ancillary electronics for new detector design;
  • Work closely with internal & external scientific and engineering staff to produce documentation for the support of the detector systems installed in the beam lines, to produce the calibration and maintenance programmes, to carry out the quality control tests;
  • Fault finding of detector systems installed in the beam lines;
  • Assisting in installation and commissioning of detector systems;
  • Use of software packages such as MatLab and Origin for data analysis to understand the performance of detectors;
  • Draft of the detector system specifications to be submitted to external providers or contractors;
  • Responsibility of small specific projects in the detector development programme of Diamond, which may involve collaboration with scientists from STFC and elsewhere.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Appropriate first degree or equivalent;
  • Degree in physics or equivalent qualifications;
  • Understanding of the principles of the interaction of radiation with matter;
  • Background and experience in ionizing radiation detection;
  • Knowledge of data analysis packages such as Matlab;
  • 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 as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Self motivated.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Higher degree (e.g. MSc, PhD) in a relevant field;
  • Experience in ionizing radiation detector development;
  • Working experience at synchrotrons or other large experimental facilities.

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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