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SalaryHarwell Campus, Oxfordshire - onsite working
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.
About the role
We now have an opportunity for an experienced Technician to work on Diamond’s world leading I11 X-ray Powder Diffraction beamline, providing opportunities to work, train and develop skills over a wide range of technical disciplines.
The primary purpose of this role will be to maintain and support the operational and scientific research activities of the I11 beamline, which is optimised for high-resolution and time-resolved studies of the atomic-level structure of materials under a wide range of ambient and non-ambient conditions through the use of sensitive detectors, in situ sample environments and heavy duty, high-precision, motorised measuring apparatus.
You will be responsible for the ongoing development, maintenance and installation of the beamline infrastructure, its instruments and environmental cells, various moving and static components, and cryogenic and vacuum systems.
Primary responsibilities will include:
- Mechanical and electrical installation of bespoke, prototype, high-tech equipment including:
Ultra-High Vacuum optical components such as monochromators, mirrors, gratings.
Vacuum equipment including pumps, gauges, controllers etc.
Detectors including vacuum detectors.
Diffractometer/goniometer and sample environment equipment
- Electrical cabling, designing, and building simple mechanical devices.
- Carrying out regular inspection of installed equipment to comply with safety regulations.
- Mechanical and electrical / electronic fault finding.
- Ensuring that all work is carried out safely and using the correct processes such as ATW, PTW; and use of appropriate PPE equipment as required.
As a Senior your responsibilities will also include:
- Supervision of staff / contractors.
- Supervision and coordination of work on different beamlines within the group.
- Operation of advanced instrumentation or advanced sample handling.
About you
Suitable candidates must have good technical experience and hold a ONC or GNVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification or apprenticeship, though applicants with equivalent work experience will also be considered.
You will possess good interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to plan and work unsupervised, both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team working towards common goals.
You will demonstrate core knowledge/experience of:
- Interpreting detailed mechanical drawings and the ability to produce simple engineering drawings for machining and/or production of 3D printed items.
- Machining and practical workshop tasks
- Assembly to drawings and tolerance specifications
- Using quality assurance procedures, work planning, risk assessments and safe systems of work, including COSHH, PUWER etc.
You will also have proven experience in at least one of the following key areas:
- Ultra-high vacuum systems, fittings, pumps and working practices.
- Cryogenics (LN2 and He) and water-cooled systems.
- High temperatures/pressures and the handling and use of specialist gases/vapours (including use of appropriate regulators, making, testing and maintaining fitments (e.g. Swagelok), PSSR assessments).
- Handling/disposal of hazardous substances and chemicals.
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.
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 28th January, however, applicants may be interviewed on an ongoing basis.
- Further company benefits
- Life at Diamond
- Nuvos Pension Scheme
Where relevant, and possible for the role, we will consider flexible working arrangements, secondment and job share opportunities.
Diamond attract talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 44 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women (77% men and 23% women as at March 2021). Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women.
If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.
Diamond are members of Working Families (the UK’s work-life balance organisation), we have also achieved the Athena SWAN Bronze award and Disability Confident Level Two.
