Mechanical Beamline Technician

31,118 to £33,105 per annum, dependent upon skills and experience

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire based onsite.

Full time / Flexible hours considered.

Reference: 11479

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UKs 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 a MechanicalTechnician to work on Diamonds world leading I15-1 X-ray Pair Distribution Function 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 I15-1 beamline, which performs experiments to study the local structure of materials from a vast range of scientific fields such as catalysis, energy materials, and pharmaceuticals. Experiments are performed under a wide range of ambient and non-ambient conditions through the use of bespoke detectors, in situ sample environments and 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. You will also have opportunities to contribute to the wider operations of the Crystallography Science Group, which comprises of three additional beamlines, and get involved with development projects within the group.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Mechanical and electrical installation of bespoke, prototype, high-tech equipment including:
  • Ultra-High Vacuum optical components such as monochromators and mirrors.
  • 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.

About You

Suitable candidates will 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 initial closing date for applications is 24th November, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis.

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