Beamline Scientist - XFEL Hub

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire – based onsite.

Full time / Flexible hours considered.

Reference: 11335

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 Beamline Scientist to join the XFEL Hub at Diamond Light Source. The successful candidate will help with the activities of the Hub and its mission to enable and promote dynamic structural biology at Diamond and at X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs). To this end, the Hub is developing tools and methods to enable time-resolved serial crystallography experiments conducted at near-physiological temperatures, especially at XFELs but also at Diamond MX beamlines. You will help commission instrumentation to enable on-demand sample delivery methods in serial crystallography and commission the von Hamos geometry, energy dispersive spectrometer(s) for analysis of XES data from iron, copper, and/or nickel dependent systems at Diamond VMXi beamline and/or XFELs including the SwissFEL Cristallina endstation.

The XFEL Hub and our collaborators conduct research and development at the forefront of serial and time-resolved macromolecular crystallography. We also work to transfer those techniques that are complementary and synergistic between XFELs, synchrotrons, and cryo-EM, and/or electron diffraction (ED). Our research and development efforts cross several fronts in biophysics from enzyme kinetics to various types of spectroscopies and includes a variety of serial crystallography experiments at Diamond Light Source and all hard X-ray XFEL facilities around the world. Our science drivers include heme and non-heme metalloenzymes that use Fe, Cu, and/or Ni ions or clusters to facilitate catalysis of a wide range of energetically difficult reactions in biology. 

We are also working to develop freeze-quench strategies to trap reaction intermediates for analysis by complementary approaches including structural and spectroscopic methods. The scientist will help the XFEL Hub execute a variety of R&D plans, which when successful will yield robust and routine time-resolved serial crystallography strategies/results at Diamond, Diamond II, and at XFEL facilities.

About You

You will hold an appropriate PhD degree or equivalent qualification or experience as well as Significant post-doctoral experience in a relevant science area: chemistry, physics, biology, material science.

You will also be able to demonstrate a track record in a relevant area of science, e.g. macromolecular crystallography, and have experience in the following areas:

Synchrotron radiation-based research.

XFEL and/or synchrotron based serial crystallography.

Executing a research project as demonstrated by either peer-review publication(s) and/or grant support.

The successful candidate will also peruse R&D projects that are complementary to the mission of the Hub. The position will very likely include international travel to XFEL facilities in the USA (LCLS), Japan (SACLA), Korea (PAL-XFEL), Switzerland (SwissFEL) and Germany (European XFEL) for data collection along with members of the Hub and the international research community. Consequently, excellent interpersonal communication skills, an ability to collaborate in large and complex groups, as well as adherence to best scientific practices are all vital to the position. Prior hands-on experience with macromolecular crystallography at a synchrotron is required. Serial synchrotron crystallography experience is highly desirable. Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) experience at an XFEL facility is not strictly required but is highly desirable. Moreover, direct hands-on XFEL experience with time resolved SFX methods at one or more XFEL facilities is ideal.

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.

The initial closing date for applications is 14th April 2024, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.