About Us
At Diamond, software plays an essential role in facilitating world-class science. Our software systems manage a wide range of functions, from low-level control of synchrotron and beamline hardware to the planning, execution, and monitoring of experiments, as well as data storage, retrieval, processing, and visualization. They also support beamtime applications and the remote planning and tracking of experiments and samples. Our software engineers collaborate closely with scientists to deliver innovative and dependable solutions, ensuring Diamond maintains its position as a leader in scientific research.
Diamond is currently undergoing a major upgrade project known as Diamond-II. This next-generation initiative will include a state-of-the-art machine, upgraded beamlines, and enhancements to optics, detectors, sample environments, delivery systems, and computing. Diamond-II aims to produce an even brighter and higher-energy light source, further advancing the facility’s capabilities.
About the Role
We are seeking a Software Engineer to join the Data Acquisition (DAQ) team on a four-year fixed-term basis. This role involves supporting and developing software for Diamond’s Soft Condensed Matter (SCM) and Crystallography (X) science groups. The work focuses on the development of new Athena software, designed specifically for SCM and Crystallography beamlines.
Athena is Diamond-II’s next-generation experiment orchestration platform, built with modern technologies and development practices to replace the current system, GDA. Easier to set up, maintain, and extend, Athena is centered around Bluesky and Ophyd-Async, Python libraries dedicated to experiment control and data collection. These tools are already in use at several leading facilities worldwide.
Your role will involve transitioning experimental capabilities from the legacy GDA system to Athena while introducing new functionalities for beamlines. Once deployed for user experiments, Athena will require ongoing support, expansion of its DAQ capabilities, and collaboration with team members to migrate existing SCM and Crystallography beamlines from GDA to Athena.
As part of the DAQ group, you will work in a collaborative and innovative environment alongside software engineers and scientists to support a range of experimental techniques. Your responsibilities will include interpreting scientists’ scientific requirements and translating them into software specifications. You’ll also collaborate with controls, data analysis, and information management engineers to implement these specifications. Working alongside beamline scientists and the Athena Core team, you will deliver key DAQ features for SCM and Crystallography beamlines and provide insights that refine Athena’s core capabilities. This role may also involve participating in international collaborations to share best practices and support similar facilities around the globe.
Candidates will be considered at either the Data Acquisition Software Engineer or Senior Data Acquisition Software Engineer level, based on individual qualifications, skills, and experience.
About the Data Acquisition Group
The DAQ group designs software tools to interface with and control hardware, enabling experiments to be conducted and monitored, while equipping end users with tools for data reduction and analysis. Working collaboratively with scientists, controls specialists, and data analysis and information management teams, the DAQ group consistently improves and innovates in delivering cutting-edge scientific data acquisition tools.
The current DAQ platform, GDA (Generic Data Acquisition), is a Java-based client-server application that uses the Eclipse RCP framework. To meet the advanced needs of Diamond-II, the software is being modernized to adopt a service-based architecture. The upgraded platform, Athena, will provide state-of-the-art experimental capabilities across multiple beamlines, with all existing software scheduled to migrate to Athena in the coming years.
About You
To be successful in this role, you should hold a degree in a STEM subject, ideally complemented by a relevant MSc or PhD. You should have experience working within the software development lifecycle, preferably with a modern high-level programming language, a sound grasp of good software design principles, and expertise in designing for usability.
Experience in developing software for monitoring and controlling scientific, industrial, or IoT equipment is particularly desirable. Familiarity with synchrotron or neutron central facility experiments will further strengthen your application.
Additional skills such as working with large codebases, Python programming, HDF5 file formats, TypeScript, UI development, Java, the Eclipse RCP platform, REST APIs, Kubernetes, and asynchronous computing would be advantageous.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical abilities are key to this role, as is a genuine interest in science.
Benefits
Diamond offers a generous benefits package aimed at ensuring a positive work-life balance for staff. This includes:
- Leave: 26 days of annual leave, Christmas closure, public holidays, and 2 volunteering days per year.
- Flexible Hours: Flexible working schedules to accommodate your lifestyle.
- Pension: An excellent defined benefit pension scheme.
- Facilities: On-site access to amenities such as a nursery, cafes, a restaurant, and sports/recreation facilities.
- Relocation: A relocation allowance may be available for eligible candidates.
This position also offers a hybrid working arrangement, requiring a minimum of three days per week onsite.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application through our online portal. In your application, please highlight your suitability for the role.
When applying, specify whether you wish to be considered for the Data Acquisition Software Engineer or Senior Data Acquisition Software Engineer level.
Visa Sponsorship: As an approved visa sponsorship license holder, Diamond may offer sponsorship for non-UK nationals who meet the requirements at the Senior Data Acquisition Software Engineer level. However, candidates for the Data Acquisition Software Engineer level may only be eligible for sponsorship if they qualify as a ‘new entrant’. For further information, please visit the Skilled Worker Visa Overview.
Application Deadline: Applications close on 9th November 2025, though early submissions are encouraged, as interviews may be conducted before the deadline