Post Doctoral Research Associate – Accelerator Physics

Post Doctoral Research Associate – Accelerator Physics
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary £33,963 – £39,955, dependent upon skills and experience
Full time/flexible hours considered
3 Years fixed term
Ref: 10481

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 Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work in the Diamond Accelerator Physics Group to contribute to the design and optimisation of the Diamond-II electron storage ring upgrade.

The Accelerator Physics (AP) Group is responsible for all AP-related activities and operations at Diamond, including conducting both near and long-term research and development to keep performance at the forefront of accelerators worldwide. The team is currently focussed on the Diamond-II upgrade project, in which the storage ring will be replaced with a high-brightness multi-bend achromat structure. This upgrade will enable x-rays to be generated with unprecedented levels of brilliance, transverse coherence and reduced spatial dimensions, allowing significant advances to be made across a broad range of scientific fields.

The PDRA will undertake studies into to the design for the new storage ring, particularly to optimise the linear and nonlinear optics and improve the source characteristics, beam lifetime and dynamic aperture. This role will involve developing and applying advanced multi-objective/machine learning numerical optimisation tools, interacting with other technical groups working on the design, and producing the relevant procedures and high-level software to achieve the above.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Attending relevant scientific meetings and presenting your work.
• Developing skills and experience in areas of accelerator physics relevant to the role.
• Publishing research results in journals and conference proceedings.
• Delivering high-quality internal reporting and professional advice.

A flexible approach to work is required including some out of hours work in support of accelerator operations and development, as well as occasional UK and overseas travel including overnight absences.

About you

You will hold a PhD in an appropriate branch of physics.

You will have experience in the development and use of numerical algorithm to solve physics problems, with the ability to handle large scale simulations.

You will display a good physics and mathematical background, including electromagnetism, mechanics and optics, as well as familiarity with accelerator physics.

Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python and the LINUX environment are beneficial, as is experience of accelerator physics modelling codes such as Accelerator Toolbox, ELEGANT and MAD-X

You will display good interpersonal, communication and presentational skills to interact with a range of colleagues and stakeholders.

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.

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.

For more information and to apply, please click the apply button.

The closing date for applications is 28 February 2021, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.