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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop cutting-edge crystallography techniques at a world-class scientific facility.
- Company: Join Diamond Light Source, the UK's leading synchrotron light source.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, flexible hours, and access to on-site amenities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific research and innovation with advanced technology.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant experience in macromolecular crystallography required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Diamond Light Source is one of the worlds 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.
Beamline VMXi is a state-of-the-art macromolecular crystallography beamline dedicated to measurements at room temperature. Data are measured from crystals within crystallisation plates in a highly automated manner without the need for cryogenic cooling and extensive multicrystal data analysis tools are in place. New developments include capabilities for fragment screening at room temperature together with time resolved serial crystallography coupled with spectroscopy.
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Beamline Scientist to work with the Principal Beamline Scientist and team for the development and operation of beamline VMXi. This will involve working closely with other scientists and support groups within Diamond to ensure smooth operation of the beamline providing beam time to the scientific user community. The role will involve supporting and developing exciting new capabilities for the user community.
As a Beamline Scientist you will:
- Support and help with the development of dynamic, serial crystallography and fragment screening capabilities at the beamline.
- Provide operational support for the beamline, including responsibility for the day-to-day safe operation of the beamline, interacting closely with the users of the facility.
- Collaborate 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.
- Manage 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.
- Develop own research in an area relevant to the beamline and disseminate the results.
- Procurement of beamline components, including writing system specifications, the management of contracts and liaison with suppliers.
About You
You will hold an appropriate PhD degree or proven relevant experience, as well as:
- Experience of macromolecular crystallography data collection at a synchrotron.
- Proven ability in macromolecular crystallography.
- Experience with Windows/Linux/Unix.
- Hands on experience of serial crystallography and/or fragment screening experiments.
Experience in the following areas is desirable but not essential:
- Crystallography or synchrotron radiation related research.
- Scientific programming and/or motion control.
- Commissioning and operation of macromolecular crystallography X-ray equipment and instrumentation.
- Flexible experimental setups and/or sample environment equipment.
- Project management.
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.
As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement.
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 8th February 2026; however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.
Beamline Scientist in Didcot employer: Diamond Light Source
Contact Detail:
Diamond Light Source Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Beamline Scientist in Didcot
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Beamline Scientists at Diamond Light Source on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your macromolecular crystallography knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with serial crystallography and how you can contribute to beamline VMXi.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaborative spirit! Think of examples where you've worked closely with teams to solve problems or develop new capabilities. This role is all about teamwork, so let that shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Diamond team!
We think you need these skills to ace Beamline Scientist in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for macromolecular crystallography shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the work we do at Diamond and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Beamline Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in synchrotron data collection and any hands-on work with serial crystallography or fragment screening. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so go ahead and get that application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Light Source
✨Know Your Beamline Basics
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on the specifics of beamline VMXi and its capabilities. Familiarise yourself with the latest publications and developments in macromolecular crystallography, especially those related to room temperature data collection. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with macromolecular crystallography and any relevant projects you've worked on. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills in serial crystallography or fragment screening, as well as your ability to collaborate with other scientists and support groups.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the beamline's current projects and future developments. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role but also gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers and show that you're already thinking about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be sure to highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects in the past, particularly in a scientific setting, and how you can help ensure the smooth operation of the beamline.
