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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and operate cutting-edge beamline technology for scientific research.
- Company: Join Diamond Light Source, a leading scientific facility in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, flexible hours, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in groundbreaking research and innovation.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant experience in macromolecular crystallography required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Based onsite at Diamond Light Source - Harwell, Oxfordshire.
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. 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. For informal queries or to discuss the position please contact the Principal Beamline Scientist, Mike Hough at Michael.hough@diamond.ac.uk. 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 - VMXi in Harwell employer: Diamond Light Source
Contact Detail:
Diamond Light Source Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Beamline Scientist - VMXi in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Diamond Light Source on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the work culture, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your macromolecular crystallography knowledge. We should be ready to discuss our hands-on experience and how we can contribute to the exciting developments at beamline VMXi.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our problem-solving skills! Think of examples where we've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially related to beamline operations or crystallography. This will help us stand out as a candidate who can handle the day-to-day coordination at Diamond.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how our skills align with the specific needs of the Beamline Scientist role.
We think you need these skills to ace Beamline Scientist - VMXi in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for macromolecular crystallography shine through. We want to see why you're excited about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Diamond Light Source.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in synchrotron data collection and any hands-on work you've done with serial crystallography or fragment screening. We love seeing how your skills fit into what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
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 helps us keep everything organised on our end.
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 macromolecular crystallography and the unique features of beamline VMXi. Familiarise yourself with recent publications and developments in the field, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with serial crystallography and fragment screening. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you've successfully contributed to similar work, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with other scientists.
✨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 shows that you're proactive and engaged. Consider asking about the team dynamics or how they approach beamline upgrades.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since the role involves managing day-to-day operations and coordinating with support groups, emphasise your adaptability and project management skills. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes or challenges in previous roles, showcasing your ability to maintain smooth operations under pressure.
