Metrology Scientist

Diamond Light Source - Optics & Metrology Group

Location: Didcot

Salary: £40,306 to £44,292 per annum.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 11th August 2025

Closes: 7th September 2025

Job Ref: 11667

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire – based onsite.

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 skilled Metrology Scientist to join the Optics & Metrology Group at Diamond Light Source. As a Metrology Scientist you will help to run and optimise an ultra-stable, world-class, optical metrology lab (OML) and associated scientific instruments, work in collaboration with scientists and technicians to conduct metrology testing, assembly, and installation of a wide range of X-ray mirrors and diffraction crystals for Diamond’s beamlines. You will have an opportunity to pursue research in X-ray optics, including development of novel measurement techniques and instrumentation. You will operate computer-controlled scientific instruments for measuring ultra-small angles, nanometre displacements of optical surfaces in the OML including Fizeau- and micro-interferometers, autocollimators, microscopes, and an atomic force microscope. Further details about the lab and the research are provided at: https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2529401.

About You: You will have a PhD in physics, material science or related disciplines, or equivalent qualification or experience. You will also require: Experience in the use of contact and non-contact metrology of optics with special emphasis on metrology for x-ray optics. Technical aptitude to expertly operate computer-controlled instruments. Excellent IT and data analysis skills. Knowledge of optics, such as principles of interferometry and diffraction of light. Proficiency in the safe handling of delicate optics and intricate instruments. Experience or knowledge of synchrotrons. You must be available to travel occasionally within the UK and abroad, including overnight absences.

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 closing date for applications is 7th September.