Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) for X-ray Optics Diamond Light Source

Lightsources; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility in East Hagbourne is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate for a 3-year project focused on developing X-ray optics. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant science discipline and experience in synchrotron facilities. Responsibilities include conducting research, developing analysis techniques, and collaborating with beamline teams. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 26 days of annual leave and flexible working hours, promoting a positive work/life balance.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Flexible working hours

Defined benefit pension scheme

On-site amenities including a nursery and sports facilities

Qualifications

• A degree in an appropriate Science discipline is required.
• Experience in performing experiments at synchrotron facilities is needed.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-house research in X-ray optics and metrology.
• Develop experimental and data analysis techniques.
• Analyze data and publish results.
• Support beamline scientists in optics specifications.
• Present research findings at conferences and in journals.
• Improve existing metrology techniques.

Skills

Performing experiments at synchrotron facilities

Programming in Python, C++, Matlab

Developing data processing techniques

Simulation or characterisation of wavefront propagation

Synchrotron‑based instrumentation

Education

PhD in an appropriate Science discipline

Job description

Business Area: Science, Full Time Salary: £41,414 – £45,510, Post Type: Full time / Fixed term, Term: 3 years, Provisional Interview Dates: 20/01/2026, Closing Date: 04/01/2026, Ref No: 11766.

• PDRA – X-ray Optics -JD.docx (Word, 36.38kb)
• PDRA X-Ray Optics – PS.docx (Word, 44.37kb)

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.

At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond‑II. Diamond‑II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Post‑Doctoral Research Associate to join the well‑established Optics and Metrology Group of Diamond on a 3‑year fixed‑term basis to work on the development of X‑ray optics.

The Optics and Metrology Group at Diamond provides expert support to the beamline scientists in the design, acceptance and optimisation of beamline optics, and the development of specialised optical systems. One important area being pursued is development of the wavefront characterisation techniques and in‑situ at‑wavelength (i.e. using X‑rays) metrology methods and these have been established on B16 – Diamond’s Test beamline.

This PDRA will further develop the methods of X‑ray wavefront analysis and characterisation.

You will be required to work closely with the B16 beamline team and the scientists in the Optics & Metrology group.

• Carrying out in‑house research in one or more fields of X‑ray optics and metrology
• Developing experimental and data analysis techniques and implementing them in the optics group and / or beamlines
• Carrying out experiments, analysing data and publishing results
• Providing support in areas of optics to the beamline scientists for specifying, procuring and testing of beamline optics
• Presenting results and research at international conferences and workshops and in peer‑reviewed journals
• Advancing and refining existing at‑wavelength metrology and wavefront characterisation techniques through the integration of innovative concepts
• Developing and implementing methods for the measurement of source size and beam coherence for Diamond‑II
• Developing and implementing methods for improving performance of hard X‑ray micro and nano focusing optics with the use of corrector phase plates

About You

You will hold a degree in an appropriate Science discipline, an appropriate PhD and experience in:

• Performing experiments at synchrotron facilities
• Programming in Python, C++, Matlab or a similar platform
• Developing data processing techniques
• Simulation or characterisation of wavefront propagation
• Synchrotron‑based instrumentation

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.

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 4th January with interviews scheduled for 20th January.

Other information

• Further company benefits
• Life at Diamond
• Nuvos Pension Scheme

Diamond attracts talented individuals from around the world and currently employs 56 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women. 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) and we have also achieved the Disability Confident Level Two award.