Who We Are
Diamond Light Source stands as the UK’s premier synchrotron science facility, utilizing a vast array of exceptionally intense X-ray and UV light sources that outshine the sun by ten billion times. Our status as a global leader in advanced scientific research is underpinned by a commitment to innovation and discovery. At Diamond, our world-class scientists employ specialized beamline microscopes to delve into the mysteries of a myriad of materials, ranging from the structures of novel vaccines and treatments for diseases to pioneering materials that have implications in advanced engineering applications— including cutting-edge technological developments in battery materials, memory technology, and even jet engine blades.
Diamond is not only a research hub but also a powerhouse for Big Data, generating multiple Petabytes of data annually through over thirty experimental beamlines. This data necessitates rapid analysis and near real-time processing to steer the direction of experiments and data collation, including the retrieval of multiple Terabytes to our High-Performance Computing clusters for further examination. Our Scientific Computing team is in charge of the robust digital infrastructure that ensures the continuous flow of data, partnering with Diamond’s scientists and researchers worldwide to provide them with the necessary computational resources, storage facilities, network capabilities, and visualization platforms to maintain their position at the leading edge of scientific discovery.
The Role
In your capacity as the Scientific Computing Support Desk Manager and Engineer within our Scientific Computing team, you will hold a pivotal position in shaping and maintaining the platforms and services that fuel the operational control and scientific output at Diamond. Your role requires a blend of enthusiasm and problem-solving acumen, as you will lead the support desk team in providing foundational and advanced infrastructure support to our staff and facility users. The support desk team, which you will steer, benefits from the diverse expertise of team members specializing in fields such as high-performance computing and storage, cloud technologies, Linux, and Microsoft services. You will be charged with:
– Facilitating and coordinating technical solutions within your team and across the Scientific Computing domain,
– Overseeing the JSM service desk operations,
– Directly managing support team staff,
– Ensuring the upkeep of documentation and knowledge bases,
– Contributing to the design, acquisition, and enhancement of new infrastructure and services.
Beyond providing leadership and expert knowledge for the Support Desk team, you will be instrumental in conjunction with the Head of Scientific Computing and Team Leaders in identifying the support needs for Diamond-II—an extensive upgrade project set to substantially increase the facility’s capabilities and demand a digital infrastructure of equivalent caliber. This role will not only tap into your current expertise but also offer opportunities for engagement with novel technologies, and the chance to develop and implement both proof-of-concept and production-scale systems for Diamond-II.
Internally regarded as: Senior Computer Systems Administrator (Customer Support)
Who You Are
As an aspirant for this role, you are expected to be a seasoned professional in IT Service Management, with either a degree-level qualification or certifications relevant to IT Service Management, or possess equivalent experience. Furthermore, you should have demonstrable knowledge and experience in:
– Operating a helpdesk or support environment,
– Providing computer systems support across tier 1 and 2,
– Leadership or supervisory roles,
– Managing sophisticated computing systems, preferably within a research context.
Your skill set should also include:
– Exceptional communication with various audiences,
– Crafting clear, precise, and actionable documentation,
– Influencing decision-making processes through professional knowledge and expertise.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to nurture a harmonious work-life balance, inclusive of 26 days of annual leave in addition to Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 days annually dedicated to volunteering, and adaptable working hours. A robust defined benefit pension scheme is among our offerings. Staff have access to an array of on-site facilities such as a nursery, cafés, a restaurant, and a suite of sports and leisure offerings. For qualifying cases, a relocation allowance may be accessible.
How to Apply
We invite you to apply through our online application platform and to articulate why you feel you are the ideal fit for this exciting role.
The initial deadline for applications is April 7th; however, we will continue to review applications and conduct interviews progressively until the position is filled