Mechanical Beamline Technician / Senior Beamline Technician

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 Mechanical Beamline Technician or Senior Technician to work as part of the Spectroscopy Group. The primary purpose of this role is to maintain, develop, and support the operational and scientific research activities of beamline B18.

The Spectroscopy Group at Diamond comprises three operational beamlines (I18, B18 and I20) and one in advanced design phase (SWIFT) that provide state-of-the-art instrumentation dedicated to X-Ray Absorption and Emission spectroscopies in the Hard X-ray range.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with the beamline scientists and engineers in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of specialist beamline equipment.
• Assisting users in the preparation and setup of experiments, including machining small pieces of equipment (such as sample holders) and integrating ancillary equipment into the experimental areas.
• Supporting critical upgrade works as part of the Diamond-II upgrade program, coordinating with scientists and technical support groups for the installation and assembly of scientific instrumentation and beamline infrastructure.
• Operation of advanced instrumentation or advanced sample handling.
• Ensuring that all work is performed safely, and that equipment is properly integrated and installed.

At Senior Beamline Technician level, you will also work with staff across the four beamlines of the Spectroscopy Group to support their operations and upgrade projects and supervise staff / contractors.

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

About You
You will have an ONC or GNVQ level 2 qualification (or equivalent) or demonstrate equivalent work experience.

You will demonstrate knowledge / experience of:

• Understanding and interpreting mechanical drawings.
• Carrying out a variety of light mechanical and electrical assembly tasks.
• Supervising and coordinating the installation and commissioning of specialist equipment.

You will also have a background in at least one of the following:

• Cryogenics
• High temperature and/or high pressure
• Water cooling systems
• Ultra-high and high vacuum
• Specialist gases
• Welding
• Precision mechanics

To be considered at Senior Mechanical Beamline Technician level, you will also demonstrate experience of:

• Using quality assurance procedures, work planning and safe systems of work, including risk assessments, permit to work, written SOPs.
• Chilled water, compressed air, gas handling system.
• Using cranes and slings for heavy lifting.
• Supporting construction and operation of scientific instrumentation.

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.

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