Diagnostics Physicist/Senior Diagnostics Physicist

About us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.

About the role

We now have an opportunity for a Diagnostics Physicist or Senior Diagnostics Physicist to join our Diagnostics team in the development of state-of-the-art instrumentation enabling world-class scientific research to take place at Diamond.

The Diagnostics group provides a variety of instrumentation and feedback systems to act as the “eyes and ears” throughout the accelerator and beamline complex; characterising the electron and photon beams, and thus enabling control and delivery of high-quality beams for the scientific user community.

This role will be responsible for the continued maintenance and improvement of optical and X-ray diagnostic systems providing a broad range of measurements, including emittance and bunch length, for Diamond; and the research and development for future diagnostics for the Diamond-II accelerator upgrade. You will apply knowledge and do hands-on practical work in the lab and on the accelerator. You will also work closely with other scientists and engineers within Diamond, in addition to conducting research to ensure the ultimate performance of the diagnostics is achieved and to implement new measurements.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining a current knowledge of other comparable projects and communicating with scientists at other international facilities and conferences to ensure exchange of knowledge.
• Collaborating with beamline scientists to support scientific investigations.
• Co-ordinating relationships with suppliers to procure and deliver services, equipment or expertise.

At the senior level, responsibilities will also include:

• Project-managing the delivery of new diagnostics systems, on time and on budget.
• Publishing research results.
• Deputising in meetings for the group leader.
• Mentoring and leading more junior staff and students.

Successful applicants will be appointed as either a Diagnostics Physicist or Senior Diagnostics Physicist depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.

Occasional weekend working and flexible hours will be required at key times, along with occasional UK and overseas travel.

About you

Suitable candidates should be qualified to degree level in physics or engineering, or demonstrate significant equivalent experience, with a relevant post graduate qualification desirable, particularly to be considered at senior level.

You will demonstrate knowledge and experience of experimental techniques and data analysis, and have some familiarity with optical systems. Knowledge of accelerator physics and experience of particle accelerator facilities and/or beam diagnostics will be beneficial.

To be considered at a senior level you will also demonstrate experience of staff leadership and of project management.

All candidates should demonstrate good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills, with the ability to interact effectively with staff and facility users at all levels.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, along with flexible working hours and an excellent 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

Applicants are required to outline their suitability for this role via the online application process. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.

Diamond is a thriving international organisation, attracting a diverse range of talented individuals from around the world. Our staff currently comprises 39 nationalities and we welcome applications from everyone interested in joining us.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is 7 March 2021 with interviews scheduled for late March 2021.