Senior Research Data Manager

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; an important 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.

Now is an exciting time to join Diamond as we are currently undertaking a major upgrade project called Diamond-II, which will combine new accelerators with new and upgraded beamlines. This will continue to build-on Diamond’s world-class position, and enable us to continue to deliver brilliant science, tackling some of the most challenging scientific questions of the 21st century. 

About the Role

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Data Manager to help us to develop and support the strategy for managing Diamond’s Data Archive. This role is embedded within the Scientific Information Management Systems (SIMS) group, with a primary focus on data management for Diamond-II. Effective information management is essential for Diamond to conduct its critical work, providing scientists the tools to turn theoretical science into practical and often life-changing discoveries. A critical component of Diamond's software architecture is its Data Archive. The Data Archive provides long-term storage of data produced and analysed at Diamond, and underpins the Open and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) Data program, where data will be made publicly accessible to enable future scientific research. 

Diamond is in the process of upgrading its data archiving system and policies in order to meet the increased data flow requirements of Diamond-II and to fulfil the Open data program, enhancing scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing. This project makes for an ideal opportunity for you to grow and develop within a supportive and world leading science facility and utilise the skills and experience you already have in this rewarding role.  

You will be working alongside a bright and motivated team in an open and collaborative environment. You will work closely with Diamond scientists and translate their specifications for scientific capabilities into data policies and software requirements. You will also benefit from opportunities to participate in international collaborations within this domain, developing data management strategies that can support other facilities and synchrotrons worldwide.  

About You

Successful candidates should have an appropriate STEM degree or equivalent relevant experience, a passion for data governance, stewardship, and lifecycle management, and be able to demonstrate experience in the full Software Development Lifecycle. The following are highly desirable, with Diamond able to provide training and experience where necessary. 

• Expertise in strategies to manage large volumes of data.
• Proven track-record of working with scientific data, either in scientific infrastructure or industry.
• In-depth understanding of contemporary data management principles.
• Experience of working within, and influencing, international collaborations, including those within the Photon and Neutron community.
• Knowledge of the use of FAIR vocabularies and ontologies, Persistent Identifiers and metadata schemas (e.g. DataCite and domain-specific vocabularies). 
• Ability to present complex concepts to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Skills in managing multiple projects and systems and collaborating with software development and IT teams delivering science services.
• Excellent commutations skills and the ability to interpret scientific needs into clear policy and software requirements. 
• Passion for supporting scientific stakeholders, coupled with strong analytical and communication skills.

Diamond's Data Archive is a publicly accessible system, so a passion for UX and quality are essential.

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.

As standard this role offers a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 3 days working onsite per week.

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 9th November 2025 with interviews scheduled for 19th November 2025