Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. Located at Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, we enable world-leading research across a wide range of scientific disciplines and industrial applications.
Beamline Scientist/ Senior Beamline Scientist – VERSOX ( Versatile Soft X-ray Spectroscopy)
Full time, Permanent
Ref: DIA0756/TH
Salary: Circa £33k or Circa £42k for appointment at the higher level
Closing date 16th September 2012.
An experienced scientist is required to assist the Principal Beamline Scientist in the design, construction, installation, commissioning and operation of the beamline, working to tight costs and timescale targets.
This position is offered at either a Beamline Scientist or Senior Beamline Scientist level, dependant upon your skills and previous experience.
You will have a strong track record in synchrotron research and an in depth knowledge of beamline design (for appointment at the senior level), with an ability to solve problems quickly, engage others and develop your team.
This beamline will permit X-ray spectroscopy and imaging of light-element materials and also in-situ processing with electron, X-ray and optical sources under environmental conditions. The beamline-endstations will enable fundamental questions in the physical and life sciences to be addressed, in particular at solid-solid, solid-gas, solid-liquid and liquid-gas interfaces under ambient conditions using, for example, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Near Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (NEXAFS). The photon energy range will cover elements in the first-row of the Periodic Table that include carbon, nitrogen and oxygen – central to many important materials including bio-molecules, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics, pigments, oxides, minerals and planetary rocks.
The duties are to support the Principal Beamline Scientist in the design, construction, installation, commissioning and operation of the beamline.
Beamline Scientist - Working in support of the Principal Beamline Scientist in the following areas:
- Installation, assembly, and maintenance of a range of equipment and systems on the beamline and support laboratories, including testing and commissioning;
- Procurement of straightforward beamline components;
- Liaise with the suppliers of the beamline components;
- Local contact support to users by setting up and providing advice and guidance on the best approach to experiments, data analysis and research techniques once beamline operational;
- Carry out own research in an area relevant to the beamline and disseminate through publications and presentations;
- Assist in the development of a new item of equipment or system on the beamline, including testing and commissioning.
Additional duties for appointment at the senior level:
- To lead the design, procurement, testing, installation and commissioning of particular significant items for the beamline or instrumentation which would enhance or improve its capability;
- Procurement of significant beamline components;
- Develop own research/technical expertise to become internationally recognised through publications and presentations for own work in an area relevant to beamline;
- Enhance the operation of the facility by collaboration and dissemination of specialist knowledge with the other Diamond staff and users.
Qualifications and Experience: Essential
- Appropriate first degree or equivalent qualification;
- Second degree in appropriate subject;
- Relevant synchrotron research experience;
- Experience in Soft X-ray methods;
- Experience in X-ray photoemission spectroscopy;
- Ability and initiative to get to the heart of the problem and take it effectively through to completion;
- Good interpersonal and presentational skills;
- Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels;
- Self motivated;
- Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.
Qualifications and Experience - Desirable
Essential for appointment at the higher level
- Significant experience of beamline design and construction;
- Experience of managing a beamline for users;
- A proven track record of research in the appropriate field of synchrotron radiation science related to the beamline
- Ability to manage a small team;
- Project management experience.
Further Information
- Must be available to travel occasionally in UK and overseas including overnight absences.
Applying for employment
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