Beamline Scientist/Senior Beamline Scientist

£40,306 to £44,292 or £48,543 to £57,108 for the senior role

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

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 the I13-1 Coherence team. You will also actively interact across the Imaging and Microscopy group, helping in the roll-out and support of coherent imaging methods across the other instruments. 

I13-1 specialises in high-speed, multimodal and multiscale coherent X-ray imaging. We develop and deploy advanced imaging techniques such as spectral ptychographic tomography and Bragg ptychography, probing the structure and chemical state of materials at the nanoscale and measuring the lattice displacements and strain in crystalline materials. 

Coherent X-ray imaging is a rapidly moving and exciting field with significant importance to Diamond and the Diamond-II upgrade. To support growth and development in this area we have ambitious upgrade plans for the I13-1 beamline – improving and expanding its capabilities to meet emerging scientific challenges. For example, the beamline upgrade will deliver dynamic in-operando nanoscale imaging capabilities, and a high-resolution large volume bio-imaging end station is proposed.

We are looking to drive both technical developments and scientific application areas and seek a motivated individual who could contribute to different aspects of the I13-1 Coherence programme. For example:

• Further development of coherent diffractive imaging methods (i.e. high-throughput ptychographic tomography and Bragg CDI/Ptychography).
• Leading the development of automated data collection and analysis workflows (i.e. novel machine learning approaches).
• Contributing to the development of in-operando applications (i.e. environmental cells for energy storage materials).
• Contributing to the development of bio-imaging applications (i.e. low-dose cryo-ptychography).

Occasional UK and overseas travel will be required, as well as occasional out of hours working. 

Applicants will be considered at either 4 or 5 level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications. 

About You

The successful candidate will hold an appropriate Science Degree and PhD, along with proven relevant experience.

You will have demonstrated experience in X-ray imaging, within the area of coherent imaging, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications. You will have experience of running a research project, including providing reports and demonstrating the ability to work co-operatively with colleagues.

Any further experience or knowledge from the following areas is desirable:

• Day-to-day operation of a synchrotron beamline.
• Scientific programming in support of data collection and/or processing.
• Beamline controls and data acquisition systems.
• Sample preparation methods.

To be considered for the Senior Beamline Scientist Role, you will have experience in the following areas:

• Successful publication record in your scientific area.
• Project management.
• Instrumentation design for nanoscale X-ray microscopy or coherent imaging.
• Supporting scientists in the conduct of research in a synchrotron or equivalent facility.
• Managing a beamline for users.

As a beamline scientist/senior beamline scientist, you will be expected to have a research program in an area relevant to the beamline, engage with the user community and contribute to the development and operation of the beamline.

You will display good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills, including the ability to interact with facility staff and users at all levels, and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary, international 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. 

The closing date for applications is 2nd March 2025.