5 year fixed term contract
Based onsite at Diamond Light Source, Harwell, Didcot
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron radiation facility. By accelerating relativistic electrons, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from InfraRed to X-rays, which are used for academic and industrial research and development across a range of scientific disciplines, including: medicine and biology, physics and chemistry, materials and engineering, earth and environmental sciences, as well as multi- and cross-disciplinary study such as archaeology or space science.
Diamond is a leading scientific centre of excellence. Its innovative capabilities and talented staff place it at the forefront of UK and international experimental research.
The Multimode IR Imaging and Microspectroscopy (MIRIAM) beamline B22 has pioneered the development of innovative IR spectromicroscopy methods, including: full-field IR microscopy using a Focal Plane Array (FPA) detector and Adaptive Optics for high-magnification imaging of living biotissue; Fourier Transform IR microanalysis for in situ/operando studies in physical and chemical sciences; and Atomic Force Microscopy via IR (AFM IR) and synchrotron microbeam for molecular characterization of soft matter at sub-micrometric spatial resolution. With the upcoming Diamond-II upgrade, B22 research in IR and TeraHertz (THz) science is expected to expand further, including THz microscopy.
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Principal Beamline Scientist to lead the IR beamline and scientific team in the development of B22 and delivery of the user programme, working together with scientists and engineers or technicians, plus software developers at DLS. You will have a strong interest in beamline development, scientific innovation, enabling technologies and/or software, specifically aimed to modern experiments using vibrational spectroscopy, imaging, and nanospectroscopy for the broadest IR/THz user community.
Duties include
* Leading the B22 beamline and team, including developing the science vision and upgrades
* Managing B22 user operations and beamtime scheduling plus in-house or collaborative research, from sample preparation through to data analysis
* Coordinating technical developments such as sample environments, new optics or detectors, and control/acquisition software
* Collaborating within the Soft Condensed Matter group on shared scientific and technical activities
* Contributing to the Diamond-II upgrade of the IR beamline and supporting the transition during the dark period.
About You
You will hold an appropriate PhD degree, postdoctoral experience, or proven relevant/equivalent expertise, along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You should be able to collaborate with and lead cross-disciplinary groups and have a passion for enabling high-quality scientific experiment
Practical experience with beamline hardware and software - particularly experimental end stations, optics, and/or detectors - is highly desirable, along with significant hands‑on experience in IR/THz micro-/nano-spectroscopy or imaging at a synchrotron beamline. An interest in engineering or software development for experimental applications is a plus.
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. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
Our campus-based location, with open green space, offers sports pitches, an outdoor gym, as well as a network of cycle, running and walking routes. Staff also have access to a range of onsite amenities including cafes, restaurants, a daycare nursery and free on-site parking.
This role qualifies for a non-pensionable STEM allowance of £3500 per annum.
As standard, this role requires fully onsite working.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
Closing date for applications
15th March 2026 with interviews scheduled onsite for 27th March 2026
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