Beamline Scientist/Senior Beamline Scientist

£40,306 to £44,292 (Discretionary range to £50,936), or £48,543 to £57,108 per annum (Discretionary range to £65,675) for the Senior level

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire – primarily based onsite / some home working available

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences. 

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Beamline Scientist/Senior Beamline Scientist to join Diamond’s Beamline I05, a facility dedicated to angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Utilizing the intense extreme ultraviolet (EUV, 18–240 eV) beam from the synchrotron, I05 beamline enables detailed investigations into the electronic structure of quantum materials. The beamline is equipped with two advanced end-stations: one optimized for high-resolution ARPES (HR-ARPES) and the other for spatially resolved ARPES (nano-ARPES).

The HR-ARPES end-station has been highly productive since operations began in 2014, delivering an excellent scientific result, as reflected in its strong publication record. It has attracted world-leading researchers, particularly those studying high-temperature superconductivity and various topological materials. The beamline's exceptional energy resolution enables precise measurements of the extremely small energy gaps, while its broad photon energy range has proven instrumental in probing the kz dispersion in 3D topological materials. Key features of the end-station, including a state-of-the-art cryogenic sample manipulator, deflector angle scanning energy analyser, and an advanced control software interface, enable users to perform Fermi surface measurements quickly and efficiently.

The nano-ARPES branch utilizes strong beam focusing to achieve a sub-micron spot size at the sample surface, which is scanned to investigate the correlation between spatial position and electronic band dispersion. Research at this branch includes studies of inhomogeneous systems and heterostructures composed of 2D material layers. There has been particular interest in measuring the edge states of bulk topological materials and investigating termination-dependent electronic structure features at the micrometer scale. This facility also provides unique in operando capabilities, enabling a gating voltage (or current) to be applied to the sample while examining its effects on the electronic structure. 

The successful applicant will work on this world-leading beamline, where topological materials, 2D materials, and superconductors are regularly studied. One aspect of the role involves operating the equipment and supporting experiments across both end-stations as part of a small, dynamic team of enthusiastic scientists. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who will actively contribute to beamline upgrades, particularly in exploiting the opportunities offered by the Diamond-II upgrade of the storage ring, and who will play a key role in defining and leading new development projects. 

Suitable candidates should be familiar with ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) systems, the ARPES technique, and the specific details of the sample environment (e.g., sample manipulation or cryogenics). A scientific interest in or experience with strongly correlated systems would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the I05 high-resolution end-station (HR-ARPES) and providing user support by assisting visiting scientists with a wide range of experiments. Additionally, the selected candidate will be expected to lead their own internationally competitive research activities at the beamline and beyond. 

The Beamline Scientist’s responsibilities include:

• Providing operational support at the beamline and engaging with users to ensure successful beamtime results.
• Collaborating with scientists and support groups at Diamond on the design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of beamline components.
• Developing a research program aligned with beamline activities.
• Assisting with the procurement of beamline components, including writing system specifications, managing contracts, and liaising with suppliers.
• Advising on the development of data acquisition, visualization, and analysis software.
• Actively participating in beamline reviews and preparing related documentation. 

To be considered for the Senior Beamline Scientist position, candidates must also:

• Lead competitive science program relevant to the beamline, promoting findings by attending conferences and publishing results in high-quality journals. Apply for research grants and recruit/supervise PDRAs and PhD students for these projects.
• Lead the design, installation, and commissioning of the beamline and support laboratory upgrade projects, including project management, budgetary, and resource planning.
• Provide specialist professional advice to the organization as required, e.g., acting as a consultant to external industrial and academic users on potential applications of synchrotron science for their research.
• Lead the hazard and risk assessment process to minimize risks to people and equipment, taking responsibility for the timely completion of required documentation. 

Successful applicants will be considered at either Beamline Scientist or Senior Beamline Scientist level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications. 

About You

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD degree in physics or materials science.
• Post-doctoral experience in a relevant science area: physics or material science.
• Relevant synchrotron research experience.
• Experience of beamline instrumentation and/or sample environment equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop an independent research programme and successful scientific publication record.
• Experience and knowledge of ARPES technique.
• Experience with related surface science equipment or techniques.
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out of hours working.
• Available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences. 

Essential Qualifications and Experience for Senior Beamline Scientist Position:

• Ability to lead own research project including budget and resource management.
• Ability to effectively engage with and manage a small team.
• Experience of beamline design, construction, commissioning and operation.
• Experience in supporting Scientists in the conduct of research at a synchrotron or equivalent facility.
• Experience of programming, especially Python
• Project Management Experience. 

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable. 

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role. 

The initial closing date for applications is 16th February 2025, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.