Head of Insertion Devices Group (Magnetic Engineering)

Diamond Light Source

Placed On: 17th November 2025

Closes: 14th December 2025

Job Ref: 11754

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire

Based onsite full time with occasional ad-hoc working from home

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 insertion devices as well as 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

Synchrotron insertion devices are permanent magnet or electromagnetic assemblies which lie at the heart of the Diamond facility, generating the brilliant light that is used in experiments. The Insertion Devices (ID) group are responsible for providing state-of-the-art Insertion Devices for Diamond.

We now have an excellent opportunity to lead our ID Group.

You will manage the ID group to ensure the detailed design, specification, procurement, installation, operation, maintenance and future development of permanent magnet, electromagnetic and cryogenic IDs. This will also include overseeing the magnetic and mechanical design, assembly and magnetic measurement of IDs, and project managing support from other Diamond groups.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Leading, training, motivating and developing the team.
• Managing the associated budgets and planning aspects.
• Managing the insertion device assembly and test laboratory.
• Working with scientists regarding the selection of parameters of future devices, providing performance information and assessing as-built performance.
• Ensuring that the group’s work is performed safely, with appropriate documentation, and in compliance with Diamond Health and Safety procedures and policies.

This position requires occasional UK and overseas travel and occasional flexible, unsociable hours to meet critical demands.

About You

You will have a degree in Physics or Engineering, ideally with a PhD in a related discipline, and have experience of managing a team.

You will demonstrate experience in:

• Magnetic and mechanical design of permanent magnet, electromagnetic and cryogenic devices, in particular insertion devices.
• Specification, procurement management, and quality control of magnets.
• Project management and planning.

You will demonstrate ability to communicate effectively at all levels, and to solve technical problems, evaluating alternative courses of action and innovating where necessary.

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.

This role requires a fully onsite working arrangement, however occasional working from home is possible.

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 14th December.