Software Scientist

Software Scientist
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary £33,963 to £39,955 per annum (discretionary range to £45,949), dependent upon skills and experience
Full-time, permanent

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

You will contribute directly to the delivery of scientific results in one of the most important areas of research for Diamond, macromolecular crystallography. You will join a team of scientists and engineers who develop world-leading tools and algorithms [1, 2] as well as the open-source infrastructure which underpins the near real-time delivery of pertinent scientific results to our users.

Tightly integrated data analysis is essential to provide users with real-time feedback on the outcomes of experiments. A critical component of Diamond’s data analysis software stack is Zocalo [3, 4], which forms the communication layer between data acquisition, data management and data analysis, and manages the workload of data analysis tasks on our clusters. Your role will be to develop this further, with a focus on macromolecular crystallography but also expanding the system to support other techniques and experiment types. This will involve working closely with scientists, methods developers and data acquisition engineers to define requirements and implement pragmatic solutions to challenges as they arise. While this software is primarily developed in-house for our own needs, where possible, future developments should be made with a view to facilitating its use by other facilities.

As a member of the data analysis group you will be working alongside a bright and motivated team in an open and collaborative environment, also working closely with beamline staff, support groups and international collaborators.

1. github.com/dials/dials
2. github.com/xia2/xia2
3. github.com/DiamondLightSource/python-zocalo
4. http://icalepcs2019.vrws.de/papers/wempr001.pdf

About you

Successful candidates will demonstrate enthusiasm to work in a collaborative, open source environment, working mostly with Python, with a strong emphasis on use of CI, active system monitoring, issue tracking and version control. A background in computer science will be advantageous, as will experience of CI/CD systems, cloud computing and containerization. A degree-level qualification in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science or equivalent experience is essential, as is an interest in supporting scientific research coupled with strong analytical and communication skills.

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.

We take an active approach to ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our activities at Diamond, with a dedicated commitment to ensuring we provide a fulfilling and enjoyable place to work, where all staff feel valued and recognized for their individual contribution.

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 organization, 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.

The closing date for applications is 13 December 2020 with interviews scheduled for 7 and 8 January 2021.