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- Tasks: Develop and support software for cutting-edge scientific experiments at Diamond.
- Company: Join a leading organisation enabling world-class scientific research through innovative software solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible hours, and access to on-site amenities like cafes and sports facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team driving advancements in scientific data acquisition and analysis.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM or equivalent experience; familiarity with software development and scientific equipment preferred.
- Other info: Opportunities for international collaboration and ongoing professional development available.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Us
Software helps to enable the world-leading science performed at Diamond. Our software systems facilitate operations at all levels, including the low-level control of synchrotron and beamline hardware, the planning, execution and monitor of experiments, data archiving and retrieval, data processing and visualisation, the application for beamtime, and capture of remote experiment plans and samples. Our software engineers work alongside our scientists to develop innovative and robust solutions to keep Diamond at the forefront of scientific research.
About the Data Acquisition Group
The Data Acquisition (DAQ) group develops software to interface with and control the hardware which allows experiments to be performed and monitored as well as guiding the end user to tools for data reduction and analysis. The group works closely with scientists, controls, data analysis and information management engineers to continuously develop and improve software solutions for scientific data acquisition and on-the-fly monitoring and data analysis.
The current DAQ software platform is a client-server application called GDA (Generic Data Acquisition) which is written in Java and uses the Eclipse RCP framework. To facilitate the advanced scientific capabilities that are expected from Diamond-II (the planned Synchrotron upgrade) the DAQ software is being modernised and will result in a service-based architecture. The new Acquisition Platform, Athena, will be configured to deliver advanced capabilities for a new collection of state of-the-art Flagship Beamlines. Over the next few years existing beamline software will be migrated from GDA to Athena.
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a software engineer within the DAQ group team that supports and develops software for Diamonds Spectroscopy science group.
The work is primarily focused on developing the DAQ software for the planned SWIFT Diamond-II Flagship Beamline using the new Athena services under the technical supervision of the Spectroscopy DAQ team leader and in collaboration with the DAQ Core team. This is a significant and high priority long-term programme of work, comprising early feature prototyping and refinement, productionisation, integration and testing. Once SWIFT starts to accept users you will provide ongoing support and extension of the DAQ capabilities. You will also be required to work with your teammates to provide support to the existing Spectroscopy beamlines and assist with their migration from GDA to Athena.
As a software engineer in the DAQ Group you will work alongside other software engineers supporting a range of experimental techniques and developing DAQ capabilities in an open and collaborative environment. You will be required to interact with scientists and translate their specifications for scientific capabilities into software requirements.
You will liaise with controls, data analysis and information management engineers to put these requirements into action. You will collaborate with the beamline scientists and DAQ Core team members to deliver SWIFTs DAQ features using the new Athena services and provide insight to the Core team to help them to refine Athenas generic capabilities.You will also potentially participate in international collaborations within this domain, sharing best practice and supporting other facilities and synchrotrons within the collaboration.
Applicants will be considered at either Data Acquisition Software Engineer or Senior Data Acquisition Software Engineer level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.
About You
You will be qualified to degree level in a STEM subject or equivalent experience, as well as experienced in the full Software Development Lifecycle, using a modern high-level language, and with an understanding of good software design principles and design for usability. Knowledge and experience of developing software to control and monitor scientific or industrial equipment or IoT is preferable.
Experience of working with large and complex code bases would be a distinct advantage, as would experience of Python, Java, Spring, JMS message-oriented middleware, Java RMI, the HDF5 file format, the Eclipse RCP platform, REST and Kubernetes.
You should display good communication, interpersonal and analytical skills, with a personal interest or experience in science.
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays and 2 annual volunteering days, along with flexible working hours and an excellent 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.
When applying please state whether you with to be considered atData Acquisition Software Engineer or Senior Data Acquisition Software Engineer level.
The initial closing date for applications is 28th September 2025, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.
Senior/Data Acquisition Software Engineer in Didcot employer: Diamond Light Source
Contact Detail:
Diamond Light Source Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Data Acquisition Software Engineer in Didcot
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Java, Python, and the Eclipse RCP framework. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the scientific community by attending relevant conferences or workshops. This not only helps you network but also shows your commitment to the field, which can be a great talking point during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with large codebases and how you've contributed to software development lifecycles in previous roles. Be ready to provide specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by highlighting any past experiences where you've worked closely with scientists or engineers. Emphasising your ability to translate scientific requirements into software solutions will demonstrate your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Data Acquisition Software Engineer in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior/Data Acquisition Software Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with the DAQ group's work and the technologies mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your knowledge of software development, particularly in Java and Python, as well as any experience with scientific data acquisition systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly explains why you are a great fit for the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with complex code bases and your understanding of good software design principles.
Showcase Collaboration Skills: In your application, highlight your ability to work collaboratively with scientists and engineers. Provide examples of how you've successfully translated technical specifications into software requirements in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Light Source
✨Understand the Software Development Lifecycle
Make sure you can discuss your experience with the full Software Development Lifecycle. Be prepared to explain how you've applied good software design principles in past projects, especially in a scientific context.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Technologies
Brush up on your knowledge of Java, Python, and any other technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Spring and REST. Being able to discuss these technologies confidently will show that you're well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working closely with scientists and other engineers, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team environment. Highlight any experiences where you translated technical requirements into actionable tasks.
✨Express Your Passion for Science
Demonstrate your personal interest or experience in science during the interview. This could be through discussing relevant projects or simply sharing why you find scientific research exciting and important.
