Senior Accelerator Operator Diamond Light Source

Lightsources; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK research facility seeks a Senior Accelerator Operator to work in a 24/7 rotating shift pattern, primarily responsible for operating accelerators. The ideal candidate will hold an HNC/HND in a relevant field and possess significant technical expertise. Responsibilities include monitoring and returning beam efficiency and providing technical support to the team. The role offers competitive salary benefits including an excellent pension scheme, annual leave, and development opportunities. Apply online before the closing date on January 4th, 2026.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

Defined benefit pension scheme

Access to amenities including nursery and sports facilities

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Operate the accelerators responding to abnormal conditions.
• Contribute to improvements in procedures and documentation.
• Perform the role of a Radiation Protection Supervisor.

Skills

Significant experience within a Technical / Science environment

Ability to learn and understand complicated control systems

General electronic and engineering workshop tasks

Good communication skills

Self-motivation

Education

HNC/ HND level or equivalent in mechanical/electrical or Science

Tools

General workshop equipment and tools

Job description

Business Area: Technical/Engineering

Full Time Salary: £41,414 to £45,510 (Discretionary range to £52,337) (£55,080 to £60,528 including 33% shift enhancement)

Post Type: Full time / Permanent

Closing Date: 04/01/2026

Ref No: 11764

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

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.

Other information

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

Diamond attracts talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 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.