Beamline Scientist in Oxford

Diamond Light Source is one of the worlds most advanced scientific facilities. We are home to the UKs 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.