Principal Beamline Scientist - XChem

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.

We provide seven macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines and associated laboratories for fragment-based screening, membrane proteins, crystallisation and biophysics to the international structural biology community. Alongside specialist MX beamlines for long wavelength, room temperature, dynamics and micro-focus data collections we operate several high throughput and automated beamlines for cryogenically mounted samples. In 2028-2029 Diamond will undergo a major upgrade to its machine and beamlines (the Diamond-II project) which will involve an 18-month shutdown for enabling works to take place. 

About the Role

XChem is central to Diamond’s world first crystal-based fragment screening offer for academic, non-profit and industrial users. The majority of user operations are linked to beamline I04-1, but there is now an exciting opportunity to exploit the wide variety of instruments and associated capabilities at Diamond and across the Harwell Campus to expand and deepen the XChem offer. With Diamond-II the new high-flux, tuneable K04 beamline will be linked to a fully automated XChem laboratory, although opportunities exist for using other beamlines and developing, for instance, room temperature in situ fragment screening.

We now have an opportunity for a Principal Beamline Scientist to work with the XChem team to support and develop XChem and its academic user programme.

Duties include:

• Leadership and development of XChem and it’s team.
• Liaising closely with the XChem team of the Industrial Liaison Office.
• Working with the K04 team to transform XChem operations at Diamond-II.
• Develop further the impact of FBDD with colleagues across the MX facilities at Diamond.

About You

You will have an appropriate PhD degree or proven relevant experience, along with excellent interpersonal communication skills, an ability to collaborate and lead in large and complex cross-disciplinary groups and have a passion for enabling the best science. A strong track record in the field of fragment-based drug discovery is expected.

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.

This role qualifies for a non-pensionable allowance of £3500 per annum.

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement

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, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.

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