Beamline Scientist - Surface Diffraction Beamline

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

About Us
Diamond Light Source is one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities. We’re home to the UK’s synchrotron light source – a giant microscope producing beams of light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Probing the structure and composition of matter, our work drives innovation in everything from vaccines to nanotech.

At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy.

About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Beamline Scientist to join our I07 beamline. The I07 beamline is designed for grazing incidence diffraction and scattering experiments. The beamline uses an intense, high energy x-ray beam (6-30 keV) to study the structure and morphology of solid and liquid surfaces and interfaces through the techniques of surface x-ray diffraction, x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering.

The beamline operates two end-stations, and is equipped with a UHV diffractometer, a double crystal deflector (for liquid interfaces) and a multipurpose diffractometer. With its flexible configuration, the beamline supports experiments in very diverse research areas including thin films, 2D materials, soft matter, heterogeneous catalysis and electrochemistry, with a special focus on in-situ/operando experiments for the investigation of surface dynamics.

You will help maintain the beamline, including the end-stations, and provide user support, as local contact, by assisting visiting scientists to carry out a wide range of experiments. You will be expected to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the beamline and lead your own research activities on the beamline and elsewhere, as well as participating in the in-house research programme on in-situ/operando characterization of interfacial chemical reactions as well as the development of setups for multiscale experiments (e.g. SXRD/HAXEPS).

Diamond Light Source is undergoing an upgrade that will deliver a 4th generation synchrotron, the position will provide the opportunity to exploit this state-of-the-art facility as well as contributing to potential beamline upgrades and defining/leading some of the development projects.

About You
You will hold a Ph.D. in a scientific field relevant to the post (e.g. physics, physical-chemistry, chemistry or materials science).

Well-developed experimental skills and the ability to conduct high-quality original research are required. A background in surface/interface science, electrochemistry or catalysis is required as well as a proven knowledge of surface x-ray diffraction/scattering techniques, instrumentation and methodology for structure solution and refinement. Knowledge of UHV techniques, experience with surface characterization techniques, and experience of software development and programming are desirable.

You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

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.

Further Information may be obtained from Francesco Carla (tel: +44 (0) 1235 77 8023; email: francesco.carla@diamond.ac.uk).

The closing date for applications is 23rd February.