Head of Data Acquisition Group

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.

At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy. To facilitate this, the suite of scientific software is being developed to move it to a service-based architecture. In doing so, it will provide greater end-to-end integration of the software and facilitate greater use of AI/ML techniques and improved automation of experiments.

About the Role
We now have an excellent new opportunity for a Head of our Data Acquisition Group to provide Diamond-wide strategic leadership in defining, planning, and implementing data acquisition services for the facility.

As the Head of the Data Acquisition Group, you'll play a vital role in our success. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leadership & Direction: Lead a talented team in developing and maintaining software and experiment orchestration for our photon science beamlines.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other software and computing teams to ensure seamless integration and service delivery.
• Technical Advancement: Contribute to the development of the new software architecture and so supporting our research initiatives.

About You
You will be a talented data acquisition specialist with a first degree in Engineering or Science and ideally a relevant PhD.

You will be an experienced and skilled people manager, ideally from a scientific environment, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.

You will demonstrate experience of:

• Experimental science.
• Development of scientific software.
• Modern software project management techniques and tools.
• Object orientated languages such as Java, C++ and Python.
• Modern software architectures (service-oriented architecture and microservices) and their realisation.
• Interacting with scientists to gather software requirements and managing their delivery.

You will also display:

• A collaborative and forward-thinking mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, with an ability to interact, influence and negotiate at the highest level.
• The ability to effectively undertake project planning and management.
• The ability to plan and manage operational and capital programme budgets over £1m.

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 closing date for applications is 27th July 2025 with interviews scheduled for 12th August, to be held at Diamond Light Source, Harwell.

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