Senior/Data Analysis Scientist for Soft Condensed Matter Group

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. Located on the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, a 20-minute drive south of Oxford in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Diamond Light Source conducts world-class research in virtually all fields of science and offers rewarding career opportunities. We are currently planning a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II which will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing.

Software helps to enable the world-leading science performed at Diamond. Our software systems facilitate operations at all levels, including the low-level control of synchrotron and beamline hardware, the planning, execution and monitor of experiments, data archiving and retrieval, data processing and visualisation, the application for beamtime, and capture of remote experiment plans and samples. Our software engineers/scientists work alongside our beamline staff/scientists to develop innovative and robust solutions to keep Diamond at the forefront of scientific research. 

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Senior/Data Analysis Scientist to join the Soft Condensed Matter (SCM) group, dedicated to the application of machine learning (ML) and/or Artificial Intelligence (AI) requirements of the SCM beamlines and instruments. Key specific projects to be covered by this post concern the implementation of ML/AI for beam and optics optimization, digital/twin modelling of instruments, image/signal denoising with multispectral analysis.

The role includes both specific software support of current operations with users and new software developments as needed toward the Diamond-II major upgrade, both in the field of IR/UV/X-ray synchrotron radiation research.

The successful candidate will work alongside scientists on the beamlines and instruments, plus DLS engineers and staff across scientific computing, to develop and maintain ML/AI software specifically for SCM beamlines (and possibly collaborating with eBIC), including real time optimization, data visualisation and automated analysis workflows for current research, simulations of instruments, and also participate in work related to the wider scientific software goals e.g. Diamond-II/upgrade projects.

Projects

Applicants will be considered at either Data Analysist Scientist or Senior Data Analysis Scientist level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.

About You

You will be qualified to degree level in a STEM subject, with post doc or equivalent higher qualifications for senior role, as well as experienced in the full Software Development Lifecycle, using a modern high-level language, and with an understanding of good software design principles and design for usability. In addition, you should have experience of software development in programming language such as Python, C++ and/or Java, plus preferably MATLAB.

Experience of working with large and complex code bases would be a distinct advantage, as a requirement would be significant and demonstrated skills by the applicant in ML and/or AI applications in scientific equipment and/or image/signal analysis (essential for senior role). Knowledge and experience of developing software to control and monitor scientific (or industrial) equipment is an asset.

You should display good communication, interpersonal l and analytical skills, with a personal interest or experience in science.

Experience of Synchrotron Radiation experimental applications, including beam shaping via optics optimization, cryoEM image denoising in a related scientific field is a strong preference.

Applicants with experience of imaging/mapping methods, optics control, optimization algorithms, multi/hyperspectral image analysis are encouraged

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.

When applying please state whether you with to be considered at Data Analysis Scientist or Senior Data Analysis Scientist level.

As a visa sponsorship license holder, we are likely to be able to sponsor non-UK nationals that require visa sponsorship at Senior Data Scientist level. However, this position doesn't meet the requirements for visa sponsorship at Data Scientist level, except potentially for those people who meet the criteria of a ‘new entrant’. For more information please visit - Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The closing date for applications is 16th November; we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.