Beamline Scientist – Surface Diffraction Beamline

£40,306 to £44,292 (Discretionary range to £50,936)

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

Reference: 11529

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 Beamline Scientist to join our I07 beamline. The I07 beamline is designed for grazing incidence diffraction and scattering experiments. The beamline uses an intense, high energy x-ray beam (6-30 keV) to study the structure and morphology of solid and liquid surfaces and interfaces through the techniques of surface x-ray diffraction, x-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering.

The beamline operates two end-stations, and is equipped with a UHV diffractometer, a double crystal deflector (for liquid interfaces) and a multipurpose diffractometer. With its flexible configuration, the beamline supports experiments in very diverse research areas including thin films, 2D materials, soft matter, heterogeneous catalysis and electrochemistry, with a special focus on in-situ/operando experiments for the investigation of surface dynamics.

You will help maintain the beamline, including the end-stations, and provide user support, as local contact, by assisting visiting scientists to carry out a wide range of experiments. You will be expected to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the beamline and lead your own research activities on the beamline and elsewhere, as well as participating in the in-house research programme on in-situ/operando characterization of interfacial chemical reactions as well as the development of setups for multiscale experiments (e.g. SXRD/HAXEPS).

Diamond Light Source is undergoing an upgrade that will deliver a 4th generation synchrotron, the position will provide the opportunity to exploit this state-of-the-art facility as well as contributing in potential beamline upgrades and defining/leading some of the development projects.

About You

You will hold a Ph.D. in a scientific field relevant to the post (e.g. physics, physical-chemistry, chemistry or materials science).

Well-developed experimental skills and the ability to conduct high quality original research are required. A background in surface/interface science, electrochemistry or catalysis is required as well as a proven knowledge of surface x-ray diffraction/scattering techniques, instrumentation and methodology for structure solution and refinement. Knowledge of UHV techniques, experience with surface characterization techniques, and experience of software development and programming are desirable.

You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

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.

Further Information may be obtained from Francesco Carla (tel: +44 (0) 1235 77 8023; email: francesco.carla@diamond.ac.uk)

The closing date for applications is 23th February

Beamline Scientist/Senior Beamline Scientist

£40,306 to £44,292 (Discretionary range to £50,936), or £48,543 to £57,108 per annum (Discretionary range to £65,675) for the Senior level

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

Reference: 11515

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Beamline Scientist/Senior Beamline Scientist to join Diamond’s Beamline I05, a facility dedicated to angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Utilizing the intense extreme ultraviolet (EUV, 18–240 eV) beam from the synchrotron, I05 beamline enables detailed investigations into the electronic structure of quantum materials. The beamline is equipped with two advanced end-stations: one optimized for high-resolution ARPES (HR-ARPES) and the other for spatially resolved ARPES (nano-ARPES).

The HR-ARPES end-station has been highly productive since operations began in 2014, delivering an excellent scientific result, as reflected in its strong publication record. It has attracted world-leading researchers, particularly those studying high-temperature superconductivity and various topological materials. The beamline’s exceptional energy resolution enables precise measurements of the extremely small energy gaps, while its broad photon energy range has proven instrumental in probing the kz dispersion in 3D topological materials. Key features of the end-station, including a state-of-the-art cryogenic sample manipulator, deflector angle scanning energy analyser, and an advanced control software interface, enable users to perform Fermi surface measurements quickly and efficiently.

The nano-ARPES branch utilizes strong beam focusing to achieve a sub-micron spot size at the sample surface, which is scanned to investigate the correlation between spatial position and electronic band dispersion. Research at this branch includes studies of inhomogeneous systems and heterostructures composed of 2D material layers. There has been particular interest in measuring the edge states of bulk topological materials and investigating termination-dependent electronic structure features at the micrometer scale. This facility also provides unique in operando capabilities, enabling a gating voltage (or current) to be applied to the sample while examining its effects on the electronic structure.

The successful applicant will work on this world-leading beamline, where topological materials, 2D materials, and superconductors are regularly studied. One aspect of the role involves operating the equipment and supporting experiments across both end-stations as part of a small, dynamic team of enthusiastic scientists. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist who will actively contribute to beamline upgrades, particularly in exploiting the opportunities offered by the Diamond-II upgrade of the storage ring, and who will play a key role in defining and leading new development projects.

Suitable candidates should be familiar with ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) systems, the ARPES technique, and the specific details of the sample environment (e.g., sample manipulation or cryogenics). A scientific interest in or experience with strongly correlated systems would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the I05 high-resolution end-station (HR-ARPES) and providing user support by assisting visiting scientists with a wide range of experiments. Additionally, the selected candidate will be expected to lead their own internationally competitive research activities at the beamline and beyond.

The Beamline Scientist’s responsibilities include:

• Providing operational support at the beamline and engaging with users to ensure successful beamtime results.
• Collaborating with scientists and support groups at Diamond on the design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of beamline components.
• Developing a research program aligned with beamline activities.
• Assisting with the procurement of beamline components, including writing system specifications, managing contracts, and liaising with suppliers.
• Advising on the development of data acquisition, visualization, and analysis software.
• Actively participating in beamline reviews and preparing related documentation.

To be considered for the Senior Beamline Scientist position, candidates must also:

• Lead competitive science program relevant to the beamline, promoting findings by attending conferences and publishing results in high-quality journals. Apply for research grants and recruit/supervise PDRAs and PhD students for these projects.
• Lead the design, installation, and commissioning of the beamline and support laboratory upgrade projects, including project management, budgetary, and resource planning.
• Provide specialist professional advice to the organization as required, e.g., acting as a consultant to external industrial and academic users on potential applications of synchrotron science for their research.
• Lead the hazard and risk assessment process to minimize risks to people and equipment, taking responsibility for the timely completion of required documentation.

Successful 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

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD degree in physics or materials science.
• Post-doctoral experience in a relevant science area: physics or material science.
• Relevant synchrotron research experience.
• Experience of beamline instrumentation and/or sample environment equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop an independent research programme and successful scientific publication record.
• Experience and knowledge of ARPES technique.
• Experience with related surface science equipment or techniques.
• Ability to work flexibly with occasional weekend and out of hours working.
• Available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.

Essential Qualifications and Experience for Senior Beamline Scientist Position:

• Ability to lead own research project including budget and resource management.
• Ability to effectively engage with and manage a small team.
• Experience of beamline design, construction, commissioning and operation.
• Experience in supporting Scientists in the conduct of research at a synchrotron or equivalent facility.
• Experience of programming, especially Python
• Project Management Experience.

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 initial closing date for applications is 16th February 2025, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.

PDRA in Electron Microscopy of Battery Materials

£40,306 to £44,292

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

Full time

1 Year Fixed Term

Reference: 11530

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in electron microscopy to join our team of expert electron microscopists at ePSIC, Diamond Light Source for a 1 year fixed term contract. This position is in collaboration with the Departments of Materials and Chemistry at the University of Oxford and is funded by the Faraday Institute’s SOLBAT project.

You will apply cutting edge transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques to solve fundamental materials science problems in next generation battery materials. You will use aberration corrected TEM/STEM imaging, 4DSTEM, EELS and EDX as well as cryogenic and liquid-cell techniques to understand the structural and chemical properties of battery materials at the atomic scale.

You will be embedded within the team of electron microscopy scientists at ePSIC under the direct supervision of Dr. Chris Allen and work closely with the groups of Prof. Peter Nellist (TEM) and Prof. Mauro Pasta (battery materials) at the University of Oxford as well as other members of the SOLBAT project.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Reporting to the project supervisors, you will contribute to the on-going research within the groups at ePSIC and the University of Oxford.
• Designing and carrying out experiments to fulfil the aims of the research proposal.
• Attending scientific meetings and presenting your research.
• Participating in internal scientific and administrative meetings with scientific collaborators.
• Leading the analysis and authoring of scientific results in international peer-reviewed journals.

About You

You will have an appropriate Science Degree or equivalent along with appropriate PhD and proven relevant experience.

You will demonstrate experience in:

• applying cutting edge TEM techniques to the study of battery materials or other relevant system and have an excellent publication record commensurate with the current stage of your career.
• programming for data analysis (e.g. python, matlab).
• working independently and also to collaborate closely with a diverse range of scientists.
• FIB lift-out sample preparation methods

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 16th February.

• Insight: Producing and presenting high quality insight. Help to deliver challenging presentations to senior audiences. You will have excellent attention to detail and the ability to think laterally about how to address new and different business questions.
• Clients: Act as a key contact on your client project deliveries – ensuring the highest level of client satisfaction across day-to-day deliverables, you will ensure the client wants to work with us again.
• Team: Support senior consultants on client deliverables, proposals and planning. Contribute fresh ideas to help us improve the product we deliver to clients. Work closely with a team of analysts to devise and deliver the most compelling answers to our clients’ business questions.
• Service innovation: Contributing ideas for improving our products and contributing to initiatives that will enable us to hit the milestones in our growth plan, communicating with key internal stakeholders and clients as necessary.
• Commercial growth: Appetite for driving growth across our Worldpanel Plus portfolio. Active participation in revenue planning will be a core element in ensuring you meet and exceed the ambitious targets we are striving for.

• 3-4 years’ experience within the market research or insight industry
• A commercial & curious mindset with the ability to answer clients’ big questions and unafraid to have a point of view.
• Landing and expanding; contributing to the growth of successful projects and development of longstanding client relationships.
• Able to offer outstanding insights that challenge clients’ perspective by translating large data sets into impactful presentations that allow the client to make informed business decisions.

• 25 days holidays plus your birthday off!
• Option of flexible hybrid working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Medical & Dental Insurance
• Eyecare Vouchers
• Life Assurance & Income Protection
• Cycle to Work Scheme

United Kingdom

• Execute advertising campaign effectiveness research studies for some of Kantar’s top media clients.
• Use various tools and partners to complete studies from start to finish.
• Day to day tasks may include leading kick-off calls, study setup, survey design, data analysis, report writing and presentation of results.
• Handle project timelines and quality, collaborating with client teams and across departments.
• Lead meetings to scope and kick off new projects as well as to present data results to clients and their ad agencies.
• Develop actionable media and creative recommendations for future ad campaigns based on measurement results.
• Perform quality checks to ensure project accuracy and address issues proactively.
• Continuously seek to improve skills through training and team support.
• Build understanding of media capabilities and analytic methods.
• Exhibit critical thinking, seek process improvements, and foster a positive, inclusive environment.

• Degree or equivalent in market research/marketing or related social science and analytic disciplines
• Market research experience preferred with exposure to quantitative methodologies
• Experience in client facing roles and track record of success in client interactions
• Basic understanding advertising principles and practices
• Strong process and time management skills; capable of prioritizing and delivering against multiple/challenging deadlines; prior project management experience preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft office and Google Suite tools, and ability to master other needed business tools (e.g., data management / cross tab and other proprietary tools)
• Spoken languages: German, French or Dutch as a bonus
• Strong detail-orientation and ability to manage multiple work streams and collaborate cross-functionally
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with ability to use logical reasoning and problem-solving
• Natural curiosity, a can-do attitude, driven and ability to take initiative

London, South Bank CentralUnited Kingdom

Are you currently a Service Desk Manager, looking for the next step in your career? Do you want to work in a rewarding and dynamic environment?

If this sounds like you, then this could be the perfect position! We have a fantastic opportunity at MMR as we are searching for a confident Helpdesk Manager to assist our IT Team in supporting our global operations. This role, within a vibrant and collaborative IT environment, is ideal for someone with prior experience in a similar position who is ready to take the next step in their career. This is an excellent chance for individuals who are looking for a dynamic and thriving workplace. Join us and be part of something extraordinary at MMR!

A bit about us:

MMR is an independent, global consumer and sensory research agency specialising in food, drink, personal and household care research. We are industry leaders, guiding best in class innovation for our clients – partnering with over 50% of the top 100 global food and drink brands.

Our team of over 800 highly engaged, multi-disciplined employees are primarily dynamic research professionals, sensory experts and data scientists. We’re a diverse bunch, with backgrounds in R&D, insight, marketing, sensory science, data sciences and psychology. We also boast a true global reach with offices in Wallingford (near Oxford), London, New York, Shanghai, Singapore, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Cali (Colombia), Bangkok and Durban.

What makes MMR special?

We are a “people first” company that prides itself on collaboration, honesty and mutual trust. Don’t take our word for it though, check us out on Glassdoor. You’ll see we’re currently rated at 4.8 out of 5 as an employer destination and a massive 97% of our employees would recommend working for us to a friend. Add to that 99% of our people approve of our CEO and you a general feel of what it means to be part of the MMR family.

Main Responsibilities:

• Effectively lead and manage the helpdesk and application support team, fostering a culture aimed at service excellence and ongoing improvement by:
• Overseeing technical and team leader staff members, including conducting 1-2-1 meetings, annual evaluations, development initiatives, and succession planning.
• Establishing, monitoring, and enhancing performance with a focus on both team and individual KPIs.
• Taking ownership of P1 tickets and ensuring resolutions are reached while keeping the customer consistently informed, thereby meeting SLAs and customer expectations.
• Collaborating with the Project team and Sysadmin Team to transition projects into Internal support services.
• Acting as an escalation point for Service Desk Engineers by providing 2nd/3rd line support prior to escalating tickets to the Sysadmin or Development teams.
• Managing the recruitment of technicians essential for operating a successful service desk efficiently.
• Proactively reporting on service desk metrics, highlighting successes, and identifying areas for improvement to the senior management team.
• Achieving continuous service improvement objectives set forth by the senior management team.
• Cultivating and maintaining outstanding relationships with customers based on integrity.

Requirements

In order to excel in this role, you must demonstrate competency in key behavioural and technical skills:

Behavioural

• Self-Starter – You must be someone who has perpetual motivation for this industry. There is always lots to learn and do, you must be able to show a keen interest in progressing with tasks at a good speed and be actively seeking things that needs to be addressed within your remit.
• Self-Management – Can switch between different tasks according to business needs, coping with changing priorities and keeping others informed of possible issues.
• Communication – Communicates and explains clearly, professionally, and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Teamwork – Maintains open and honest relationships with colleagues building trust and confidence.
• Client Service – Communicates clearly with the client, taking time to keep them informed and being responsive to their requests. Building the client’s trust and confidence in MMR to deliver a high-quality service.
• Learning and Improving – Aims to learn as much as possible and take up opportunities for new experiences. Consolidates learning in a structured way.
• Developing others – Ensuring team are clear on expectations and priorities and supported to deliver on their goals.

Key Technical Skills

• Proven experience as a Service Desk Manager with a global team focus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to make well-informed decisions during critical incidents.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware, software, and infrastructure, primarily in a Microsoft stack.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Azure, Office, and Windows 10/11 administration.
• Solid experience with Windows Server 2012+, Active Directory / Azure AD, and networking.
• In-depth understanding of Cyber Security principles, concepts, and technologies.
• Familiarity with MSP tools (PSA, RMM), remote access, technical documentation, disaster recovery, and backup technologies.
• Previous experience implementing new service procedures.

Additional Skills

• Knowledge of risk assessment and management for proactive issue identification and mitigation.
• Strong documentation skills for maintaining accurate records. Clear and concise communication through documentation for knowledge transfer.
• Skills in budget management, resource allocation, and cost control for the helpdesk function.
• Experience in designing and implementing training programs. Commitment to the professional development of the helpdesk staff.