Beamline Scientist - I21 RIXS

Diamond Light Source; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading scientific facility as a Beamline Scientist and contribute to pioneering research. As part of the team, you'll ensure the beamline's safe operation, engage with users, and develop your own research program in a vibrant scientific environment. Enjoy competitive benefits, including flexible working hours and 26 days of annual leave.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

Public holidays and 2 annual volunteering days

Flexible working hours

Defined benefit pension scheme

Access to onsite amenities including nursery and sports facilities

Relocation allowance may be available

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant field.
• Experience with X-ray absorption spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy.
• Desirable: Independent research program in science area relevant to beamline.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational support for the beamline and ensure its safe operation.
• Act as Local Contact for user experiments with specialist scientific advice.
• Collaborate on beamline upgrades and manage support groups for project implementation.

Skills

Relevant synchrotron research experience

Beamline instrumentation

Education

PhD in physics or materials science or related discipline

Job description

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.

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Beamline Scientist to join the I21 RIXS team.

As part of the I21 scientific team you will contribute to the beamline operation and development as well as to the external user programme. In addition, you will participate in the beamline inhouse program and develop your own independent research program.

Responsibilities include:

· Providing operational support for the beamline, including responsibility for the day-to-day safe operation of the beamline, interact closely with the users of the facility.

· Acting as a single point of contact (Local Contact) for a proportion of user experiments providing specialist technical/scientific advice.

· Collaborating on beamline upgrades and development projects, including taking specific responsibility for certain components of the beamline such as the design, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning phases.

· Managing the day-to-day coordination of support groups at Diamond to implement beamline upgrade projects, to improve the quality of the beamline, develop solutions for emerging problems, and ensure its smooth operation.

· Developing your own research in an area relevant to the beamline and disseminate the results.

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

About You

You will hold a appropriate first degree or equivalent, a PhD degree/Second degree in physics or materials science or related discipline as well as experience in the following areas:

· Relevant synchrotron research experience.

· Synchrotrons.

· Beamline instrumentation.

Experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

· X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

· X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

· Resonant inelastic (elastic) X-ray scattering.

· Many-body physics in condensed matter systems

· Crystal field and ligand field multiple theory.

· Density functional theory.

It is desirable but not essential that you have an independent research program in a science area relevant to the beamline – in particular the expertise in strongly correlated electron systems or functional materials using resonant inelastic (elastic) X-ray scattering.

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 7th September 2025, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.