Accelerator Physicist / Senior Accelerator Physicist

Squeaky Wheel Promotions; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in scientific research is seeking an Accelerator Physicist or Senior Accelerator Physicist to join their team at the forefront of accelerator technology. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research and development to enhance the performance of advanced accelerators. You will collaborate with a talented team, engage in machine development, and contribute to significant upgrades that will revolutionize scientific exploration. With a strong emphasis on innovation, the position offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with leading experts in the field. If you are passionate about physics and eager to make impactful contributions, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Christmas closure

Public holidays

2 annual volunteering days

Flexible working

Defined benefit pension scheme

Access to nursery

Cafes and restaurant on site

Sports and leisure facilities

Relocation allowance

Qualifications

• MSc/MPhys in Physics required; PhD preferred for senior level.
• Experience in accelerator physics and beam dynamics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies of accelerators.
• Maintain knowledge of comparable projects and communicate with scientists.
• Publish research results and deliver high-quality internal reports.

Skills

Accelerator Physics

Beam Dynamics

Collective Effects

Lattice Design

Numerical Simulations

MATLAB

Python

Linux Environment

Education

MSc/MPhys in Physics

PhD in Physics

Tools

Accelerator Modelling Codes

Job description

Accelerator Physicist / Senior Accelerator Physicist

£40,306 to £44,292 or £48,543 to £57,108 per annum for the Senior level

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

Full time

Reference: 11494

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge 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.

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.

About the Role

The Accelerator Physics (AP) Group is responsible for all AP-related activities and operations at Diamond, including conducting both near and long-term research and development to keep performance at the forefront of accelerators worldwide. The team is currently focused on the Diamond-II upgrade project, in which the storage ring will be replaced with a high-brightness multi-bend achromat structure. This upgrade will enable x-rays to be generated with unprecedented levels of brilliance, transverse coherence and reduced spatial dimensions, allowing significant advances to be made across a broad range of scientific fields.

We now have an opportunity for an Accelerator Physicist or Senior Accelerator Physicist to join the Diamond Accelerator Physics Group.

The duties of this role include conducting theoretical, numerical and experimental studies of the existing and future Diamond accelerators in order to understand and improve performance. These studies cover a broad range of activities, including ongoing linear and nonlinear beam dynamics optimisation studies, modelling of collective effects and developing the tools and techniques required to carry out these studies. The role will involve interacting with other technical groups at Diamond. You will also take part in machine development activities for the existing Diamond accelerators.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining a current knowledge of other comparable projects and communicating with scientists at other international facilities and conferences to ensure exchange of knowledge.
• Developing skills and experience in all areas of Accelerator Physics.
• Publishing research results in journals and conference proceedings.
• Delivering high-quality internal reporting and professional advice.

At the Senior level, responsibilities will also include:

• Providing professional leadership and guiding future approach.
• Building collaborations inside and outside of Diamond.
• Mentoring and leading more junior staff and students.

Successful applicants will be appointed as either an Accelerator Physicist or Senior Accelerator Physicist depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.

A flexible approach to work is required including some out of hours work in support of accelerator operations and development, as well as occasional UK and overseas travel including overnight absences.

About You

Suitable candidates will hold at least an MSc/MPhys in an appropriate branch of physics, with an appropriate PhD for the senior level.

You will demonstrate knowledge and experience in accelerator physics, especially in linear and nonlinear beam dynamics and collective effects.

Knowledge or experience in the following areas is also desirable, particularly for consideration at the senior level:

• Lattice design and optimisation using a range of accelerator modelling codes.
• Accelerator physics studies on operating particle accelerators.
• Running large scale numerical simulations and multi-objective optimisations.
• MATLAB, Python and the LINUX environment.

You will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with a range of colleagues and stakeholders.

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. 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 26th January 2025 with interviews scheduled for 4th February 2025.