(Senior) Sample Environment Development Scientist

3 year fixed term contract based onsite at Diamond Light Source, Oxfordshire 

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 a Sample Environment Development Scientist (Beamline Scientist) to join the science team of the Imaging and Microscopy group working across the Soft X-ray Scanning Microscopy and Ptychography Beamlines (I08 and I08-1) and the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe at Beamline I14

I08 is Diamond’s soft X-ray scanning X-ray microscopy beamline, the central theme of the beamline is the ability to obtain morphological and chemically specific information on a full range of materials (inorganic/organic). I08 uses X-rays in the 250 to 4400 eV range, with the source optimised to enable studies exploiting linearly or circularly polarised radiation. Samples able to be studied with both absorption and phase contrast techniques, with lateral resolutions down to ~50 nm. I08 is complemented by the I08-1 endstation for soft X-ray ptychography.

The Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline is a dedicated facility for nanoscale microscopy, with a beam size of 50 nm, an energy range of 5-23keV, optimised for scanning X-ray fluorescence, X-ray spectroscopy (XANES) and diffraction. Techniques such as ptychography, tomography and in-situ capabilities are a strong focus for recent beamline developments, providing exciting capabilities for the beamline’s user community across a wide range of scientific interests, from environmental science, biological imaging, and catalysis through to energy and materials science.

In order to grow the programme of in situ spectromicroscopy across the beamlines we now have an opportunity for a ‘hands on’ Scientist to work on an initially 3-year fixed term basis, focused on sample environment development and in situ experiments, as well as developing a collaborative science program in these areas

You will support the scientific research projects of the beamlines assisting external and internal users, utilizing in situ capabilities developing and commissioning gas/heating/liquid/biasing sample environments across the scanning probe beamlines, providing technical and scientific expertise, advising on strategy for experimental and data collection procedures including data analysis, and enabling the publication of the results.

Additionally, you will be involved in beamline and peripheral lab development; managing the development, procurement, testing, installation, and maintenance of bespoke scientific equipment and software to perform novel experiments, contributing to strategies and implementations for improvements to operational procedures and beamline component development, and providing input and recommendations in safety aspects of the beamline and peripheral laboratories.

This post represents an excellent opportunity to create both collaborative and personal scientific research programmes exploiting the capabilities of in situ spectromicroscopy characterisation of materials.

*Applicants will be considered at either Grade 4 or 5, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications. *

About You

You will hold an appropriate first degree or equivalent, a PhD degree/Second degree in chemistry, physics, biology, materials science or related discipline. Demonstrated ability to develop an independent research programme and successful scientific publication record and an independent research program in a science area relevant to the beamline, are essential.

As well as experience or knowledge in the following areas: 

• Synchrotron research
• Beamline instrumentation.
• Software packages and programming.
• Techniques used on the Soft X-ray Spectromicrcopy beamlines or X-ray nanoprobe to include one of more of: X-ray Fluorescence mapping, X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (NEXAFS/XANES), ptychography

To be considered for the Senior role you will also have post-doctoral experience in a relevant science area: chemistry, physics, biology, material science, and experience in the following: 

• Beamline X-ray optics and X-ray instrumentation, including X-ray detectors.
• Beamline design, construction, commissioning and operation.
• Supporting Scientists in the conduct of research in a synchrotron or equivalent facility.
• Project management
• Programming skills in Python or a similar language.

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 please tell us which role you are applying for and why you believe you are suitable for this role. 

The closing date for applications is 1st June 2025, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.