Head of Accelerator Operations Group

Harwell, Oxfordshire – based onsite 

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. 

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

At the heart of the Diamond facility, electrons are accelerated through a chain of three accelerators, a 100 MeV linear accelerator, a 3 GeV booster synchrotron and a 3 GeV storage ring, to produce extremely bright X-rays for use by scientists in 33 independent experimental stations. The accelerators are operational 24/7 for several weeks at a time, 250 days per year. Reliability of the accelerators is crucial for the scientific output and the success of the facility. 

We now have an opportunity for a Head of Accelerator Operations Group to manage the operations team of 9 people and all aspects of the operation of the Diamond accelerators. You will manage the 24/7 operation of the accelerators, striving for continual improvement in availability and reliability. 

Responsibilities will include:

• liaising closely with the groups responsible for the various technical systems.
• planning and coordinating all work on the accelerators and the interface with beamlines/Science Division
• planning of shutdown tasks, and monitoring progress
• coordinating Machine Development work 
• controlling work in the accelerator areas on a day-to-day basis, from both a safety and operations point of view
• developing operating procedures for routine and non-routine operation of the Diamond Accelerators
• collating and publishing operating statistics
• coordinating fault analysis and implementing of solutions to avoid reoccurrence
• coordinating the investigation of any reported non-optimum beam behaviour
• coordinating preventative maintenance, critical spares and scenario planning 

You will be joining us at an exciting time with the Diamond-II upgrade project underway and you will be involved in planning for improved reliability, systems commissioning and the restart of operations. 

About You

If you have significant experience of operating a 24/7 facility, ideally in a research environment, the drive for continual improvement in performance and the tenacity to get to the root cause of problems, then we want to hear from you.

You should have a degree in Physics, Engineering or another relevant discipline.

You will demonstrate the ability to lead a team of technician shift workers, along with excellent planning and organisation skills.

You will also display excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels.

Benefits

Diamond offers an excellent benefits package including 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, and 2 annual volunteering days. 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 closing date is 25/08/2024 with interviews scheduled for 06/09/2024 and 09/09/2024.

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