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- Tasks: Lead the development of an innovative automated beamline for cutting-edge scientific research.
- Company: Join Diamond Light Source, the UK's leading synchrotron science facility.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific discovery with advanced technology and collaboration.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant experience in beamline hardware, software, and macromolecular crystallography.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
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This range is provided by Diamond Light Source. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range 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.
We provide seven macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines to the international structural biology community. Alongside specialist MX beamlines for long wavelength, room temperature and micro-focus data collections we operate several high throughput and automated beamlines for cryogenically mounted samples. In 2028-2029 Diamond will undergo a major upgrade to its machine and beamlines (the Diamond-II project) which will involve an 18-month shutdown for enabling works to take place.
Beamline I04-1 has been at the core of Diamond’s fragment-based drug discovery offering with the adjacent XChem laboratory. With Diamond-II this will move to the K04 beamline – an entirely new automated, ultra-high-throughput, tuneable energy, high flux x-ray beamline linked to a fully automated XChem laboratory, enabling fragment-based drug discovery for academic, non-profit and industry users. The project is fully funded through the Diamond-II project and is well underway with the x-ray hutch constructed and optics, end-station and laboratory at various stages of development. First user operations are planned to begin in late 2029.
About The Role
We now have an opportunity for a Principal Beamline Scientist to work with scientists, engineers and software developers in the development of K04 and delivery of the user programme. You will have a keen interest in beamline development, automation, enabling technologies and software to enable MX at unprecedented speed and scale on the highly automated K04 beamline.
Duties Include
- Leadership of the Diamond-II K04 flagship project alongside colleagues at Diamond.
- Oversight of operations of beamline I04-1 until the Diamond-II dark period.
- Management of transition of operations from I04-1 to K04.
- Collaborating with the XChem facility to deliver fragment-based drug discovery at I04-1 and, post-upgrade, at K04.
About You
You will have an appropriate PhD degree or proven relevant experience, along with excellent interpersonal communication skills, an ability to collaborate and lead in large and complex cross-disciplinary groups and have a passion for enabling the best science.
Practical experience of beamline hardware and software, in particular with respect to experimental end-station and automation, and prior hands-on experience with macromolecular crystallography at a synchrotron is required. A keen interest in technology drivers of engineering and/or software development for scientific delivery is desirable.
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.
This role qualifies for a non-pensionable allowance of £3500 per annum.
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 2nd November 2025, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.
Seniority level
- Not Applicable
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Research
- Research Services
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Principal Beamline Scientist employer: Diamond Light Source
Contact Detail:
Diamond Light Source Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Beamline Scientist
✨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 you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can double your chances of landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the specifics of the K04 beamline project. Show us your passion for beamline development and automation. We love candidates who can discuss how their skills align with our cutting-edge technology!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves collaboration across disciplines, being able to clearly articulate your ideas and experiences is key. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to be part of our exciting projects at Diamond.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Beamline Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for beamline development and scientific research shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in the role and how it aligns with your career goals.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in macromolecular crystallography and automation. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs, so don’t hold back on those details!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Beamline Scientist role. Be specific about your skills and experiences that relate to the job description, and don’t forget to mention any leadership or collaborative experiences.
Apply Early!: We encourage you to apply as soon as possible since we might start interviewing candidates before the closing date. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our team at Diamond Light Source!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Light Source
✨Know Your Beamline Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of beamline technology and macromolecular crystallography. Familiarise yourself with Diamond Light Source's current projects and the upcoming Diamond-II upgrade. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Beamline Scientist, you'll need to lead complex projects. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or managed transitions in scientific settings. Highlight your ability to collaborate across disciplines, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to beamline operations, automation, and software development. Review your practical experiences and be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared about the K04 project and its impact on fragment-based drug discovery. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking regarding the future of the facility and its research capabilities.
