Post Doctoral Research Associate / Senior Researcher in Accelerator Physics

Post Doctoral Research Associate / Senior Researcher in Accelerator Physics

Salary: £33,963 to £39,955 per annum (Discretionary range to £45,949), or £43,790 to £51,517 per annum (Discretionary range to £59,245) for the Senior level

Post Type: Full time / Fixed term

Ref No: 10710

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.

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.

About the role

The Accelerator Physics (AP) Group is responsible for all AP-related activities and operations at Diamond, including conducting both near and long-term research and development to keep performance at the forefront of accelerators worldwide. The team is currently focussed on the Diamond-II upgrade project, in which the storage ring will be replaced with a high-brightness multi-bend achromat structure. This upgrade will enable x-rays to be generated with unprecedented levels of brilliance, transverse coherence and reduced spatial dimensions, allowing significant advances to be made across a broad range of scientific fields.

We now have an opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate / Senior Researcher to join the Diamond Accelerator Physics Group.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design studies for the Diamond-II facility. These studies cover a broad range of activities, including on-going linear and nonlinear beam dynamics optimisation studies, modelling of collective effects, and developing tools and techniques to improve the overall performance. The role will involve applying advanced numerical simulation and optimisation tools, interacting with other technical groups working on the design, and producing the relevant procedures and high-level software to achieve the above. You will also take part in machine development activities for the existing Diamond accelerators.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Attending relevant scientific meetings and presenting your work
• Developing skills and experience in areas of Accelerator Physics relevant to the role
• Publishing research results in journals and conference proceedings
• Delivering high-quality internal reporting and professional advice

A flexible approach to work is required including some out of hours work in support of accelerator operations and development, as well as occasional UK and overseas travel including overnight absences.

About you

You will hold a PhD in an appropriate branch of Physics with the willingness to develop a deeper knowledge of accelerator physics, along with the following,

• Good physics and mathematical background, including electromagnetism, mechanics, and optics
• Familiarity with Accelerator Physics
• Good experience in the development and use of numerical algorithms to solve Physics problems; ability to handle large scale simulations

You will bring with you good communication and presentational skills, initiative, and self-motivation.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, 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.

To Apply

The initial closing date for applications is the 6th of February 2022, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.