Senior Accelerator Operator

Diamond Light Source; Vale of White Horse; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A national science facility in the UK is looking for a Senior Accelerator Operator. The role involves operating accelerators, responding to machine abnormalities, and ensuring efficient operations within a 24/7 shift pattern. Candidates should hold a relevant HNC/HND qualification and have substantial experience in a technical/science environment. The position offers competitive pay and excellent benefits, with opportunities for training and development, including support for shift coverage and relocations where applicable.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Christmas closure

Defined benefit pension scheme

Access to on-site amenities

Qualifications

• Candidates should be qualified to HNC/HND level or equivalent in an appropriate subject.
• Significant experience within a Technical / Science environment is required.
• Ability to learn and understand complicated control systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate the accelerators and recover from interruptions efficiently.
• Contribute to improvements in procedures and documentation.
• Act as a Radiation Protection Supervisor for the accelerators.

Skills

Technical/science experience

Ability to learn complicated control systems

General electronic and workshop tasks

Understanding of engineering drawings

Good communication skills

Self-motivation and team collaboration

Ability to work under pressure

Education

HNC/HND in mechanical/electrical or Science

Job description

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement

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.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Senior Accelerator Operator (internally titled ‘Senior Operations Technician’) to join the existing Accelerator Operations Group, who are responsible for providing round the clock operation of the accelerators that are at the heart of Diamond.

The team follow a 24/7 rotating shift pattern which includes a generous number of cover days.

The primary task of the role is the operation of the accelerators. This predominantly involves responding to abnormal conditions of the machine while it runs, identifying the cause of any interruptions and recovering from them with efficient return of beam to the users. Support with on call systems specialists is available where required.

The Senior Accelerator Operator will work alongside an Experimental Hall Coordinator on shift - the roles are distinct but will overlap on emergency control duties, which include first aid and response to building alarms.

Operations Team members may also be involved in machine installation, testing and maintenance activities and preparation of documentation and development of operational procedures.

Responsibilities also include, as part of the Group, after a period of training:

• Contribute to improvements in procedures and documentation, and the collection and recording of data about any incidents into fault reports with the aim at improving reliability.
• Perform the role of a Radiation Protection Supervisor for the accelerators and become a classified radiation worker.
• Operating “Permit To Work” (PTW) procedures for the accelerators as appropriate in run and shutdown periods.
• Act as an Emergency Controller in line with company policies, which includes being a trained first aider.
• Providing technical support to other Technical Division technical groups as appropriate.

Some elements of the job role might require training, which will be provided.

A shift enhancement is payable once training has been completed. Please note, the salary range stated above includes a regular shift worker enhancement. Training will take 4 - 6 months to complete, during which time a base salary in the range of £41,414 to £45,510 per annum will apply.

About You

Candidates should be qualified to HNC/ HND level or equivalent in an appropriate subject such as mechanical/electrical or Science.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• Significant experience within a Technical / Science environment.
• Ability to learn and understand complicated control systems.
• An ability to carry out general electronic and engineering workshop tasks and use general workshop equipment and tools.
• An understanding of engineering drawings.
• Good communication and general IT skills with the ability to interact with people at all levels.
• Self-motivation, with the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.
• A desire to learn and develop new skills.
• Ability to work under pressure while also understanding your own limits and knowing when to request help.

Candidates must be able to work within the required shift patterns, reliably get to Harwell Campus for shift times and help cover unexpected absences.

Benefits

Diamond offers an excellent benefits package including 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, and 2 annual volunteering days. 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 position doesn’t meet the requirements for UK visa sponsorship, and subsequently we cannot consider individuals requiring sponsorship or currently on a time limited visa, such as a Graduate visa. The position offers a permanent contract and so requires existing right to work in the UK with no time limit on your leave to remain.

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.