Principal Beamline Scientist for BioImaging at Beamline B24

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s 3rd generation 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

Diamond’s imaging capabilities for biology are extensive, exploiting light, X-rays and electrons which are being applied to image cellular machinery beyond single proteins to whole cells and tissues. These are primarily coordinated by the Biological cryoImaging science group with close interactions with the Imaging and Microscopy science group, to offer a diverse range of imaging capabilities across various time and spatial resolutions. 

The Biological CryoImaging (BCI) group at Diamond currently incorporates the national cryoEM centre (eBIC), together with a full field cryo X-ray transmission microscope at beamline B24. A bespoke 3D cryo-structured illumination microscope has also been developed and opened to users at B24, providing an easy-to-use platform for 3D correlative imaging of cells in vitreous ice by using cryo-structured illumination microscopy (cryoSIM) and soft X-ray tomography. Correlative light and electron microscopy workflows are also being developed incorporating the bespoke cryoSIM at B24 as well as commercial cryoCLEM systems at eBIC. The bioimaging group works closely with other X-ray imaging beamlines at Diamond in particular the hard X-ray imaging beamlines I13-1 and I13-2 where a dedicated endstation for large volume bioimaging is being developed on the coherence branch (I13-1) and high throughput phase contrast tomography for biological samples is being developed at I13-2. Opportunities for bioimaging are also being pursued at J08, a soft X-ray spectro- and tomo-ptychography beamline, I14 a hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline, I18 (micro X-ray spectroscopy) and nano-IR imaging and Circular Dichroism (CD) at beamlines B22 and B23, respectively. 

We now have an exciting opportunity, for an ambitious established scientist to lead beamline B24. The post also provides an exciting opportunity to engage and contribute to new opportunities for large volume 3D X-ray Nano-bioimaging alongside the Diamond II project which will deliver a major machine upgrade, new instruments and capabilities. 

As the Principal Beamline Scientist at B24 you will lead a team of scientists and establish a competitive research programme which exploits the capabilities of B24 and bioimaging at Diamond in general. Your primary responsibility will be to lead in the management of the operation, maintenance, and strategic development of B24 and work with other instrument scientists within bioimaging at Diamond and with our partners on the Harwell campus (e.g. the Research Complex at Harwell, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, and the Ada Lovelace Centre) to contribute to the continued development and delivery of a strategy for multimodal bioimaging approach within Diamond. 

You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories for structural and cellular biology embedded at the beamline and within the Research Complex at Harwell to pursue your research as well as the opportunity for PhD studentships within Diamond’s PhD fellowship programme. You will manage a substantial beamline budget and can bid for large scale capital projects funded internally at Diamond. Support for external grant funding through national and international funding agencies to take full advantage of the stimulating and exciting international research environment at Diamond is also provided. As the leader of the B24 team you will also contribute to the development of new software and instrumentation for bioimaging as well as provision of user support by assisting visiting scientists to carry out a wide range of experiments. 

About You

Suitable candidates will have expertise and a strong track-record in bioimaging. We are particularly interested in attracting candidates with experience in X-ray microscopy techniques and/or correlative imaging with preferably a strong background in imaging of biological cells and tissues. Experience delivering a user programme in a major centre would be an advantage. 

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 include a summary of current and future research plans (max 3 pages). Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr. Martin Walsh (martin.walsh@diamond.ac.uk)

The closing date for applications is 28th April 2024