Physicist / Senior Physicist

Diamond Light Source; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific facility is seeking a Physicist/Senior Physicist to develop and operate advanced insertion devices at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. The role involves magnetic measurements, computer modelling, and collaboration with engineering teams. Applicants should have a degree in physics and relevant programming skills, with senior candidates expected to have practical experience in device design and operation.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

Public holidays and 2 annual volunteering days

Flexible working hours

Defined benefit pension scheme

Access to on-site amenities including nursery and sports facilities

Relocation allowance may be available

Qualifications

• Degree in physics or equivalent experience required.
• Knowledge of electromagnetism and programming is essential.
• For Senior role: experience in design and operation of insertion devices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct magnetic measurements and data analysis for insertion devices.
• Liaise with engineering staff during design and installation.
• For Senior role: supervise magnetic field calculations and optimisations.

Skills

Electromagnetism

Computer programming

Data analysis

Python

C++

Education

Degree in physics or equivalent qualification

Job description

Physicist/Senior Physicist

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

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire – primarily based onsite / some home working available

Reference: 11617

About Us

Diamond Light Source is one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities. We’re home to the UK’s synchrotron light source – a giant microscope producing beams of light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Probing the structure and composition of matter, our work drives innovation in everything from vaccines to nanotech.

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

We now have an opportunity for a Physicist/Senior Physicist to contribute/take responsibility for the development and operation of state-of-the-art insertion devices.

As a Physicist you will contribute to the physics aspects of the design, construction and operation of permanent and electromagnetic insertion device systems for the Diamond synchrotron, by:

• carrying out magnetic measurements, data analysis, and magnetic field optimisation procedures;
• carrying out computer modelling to optimise magnetic designs;
• computing synchrotron radiation emission from a variety of devices;
• Liaise with in-house engineering and scientific staff during the design, specification, construction and installation of new insertion devices;
• Participate in the design and construction of any other accelerator magnetic systems as required.

As a Senior Physicist you will also:

• Provide primary point of reference for scientists responsible for new beamlines or beamline upgrades with regard to establishing the required photon beam characteristics and insertion device parameters by means of calculations and simulations;
• Liaise with accelerator physics staff to establish magnetic performance criteria for Diamond insertion devices;
• Responsible for carrying out or supervising magnetic field calculations and optimisations, production of specifications, magnetic measurements and analysis, shimming, and documentation of final performance;
• Contribute to the mechanical design of insertion devices and assist with the control system specification

Applicants will be considered at either Physicist or Senior Physicist, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.

About You

You will hold an appropriate degree in physics or equivalent qualification and experience and knowledge in the following areas:

• Electromagnetism;
• Computer programming and data analysis;
• Modern scripting or object-oriented programming language such as Python, C++, or similar.

To be considered for the Senior role you will also have practical experience in the following areas:

• Design, construction and operation of insertion devices of various types;
• Magnetic design codes, and codes to calculate radiation properties.

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.

Please include which role you are applying for or both.

The initial closing date for applications is 8th June.