About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron, a state-of-the-art scientific facility that generates highly concentrated beams of X-rays, infrared, and ultraviolet light. These beams are utilized by researchers to explore a wide array of topics—from developing new medicines and treatments for diseases to advancing innovative engineering solutions and groundbreaking technologies.
As one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities, Diamond plays a crucial role in positioning the UK at the cutting edge of global scientific research. To maintain this leadership, Diamond is embarking on a major upgrade programme, known as Diamond-II. This ambitious project will introduce a next-generation machine, three new “flagship” beamlines, and a large-scale modernization of key components such as optics, detectors, sample delivery, and data computing systems. The upgrade will also enhance how users interact with the facility, offering integrated methods, automation across instrumentation and data analysis, and transformative improvements in spatial resolution and experimental throughput. Diamond-II aims to provide researchers with seamless access to advanced tools for life and physical sciences.
About the Scientific Software, Controls, and Computation Department
The Scientific Software, Controls, and Computation (SSCC) department underpins the technical framework of Diamond, supporting its three electron accelerators, 33 photon beamlines, and suite of electron microscopes. This complex software ecosystem requires precise management, adaptability, and continual evolution.
SSCC operates two data centres and a vast network of IT systems while developing and supporting the software applications and control systems that power Diamond. Scientific software demands flexibility due to the unpredictable nature of algorithm development and adaptation, and the SSCC team is equipped to meet these evolving needs effectively.
The department’s software systems span the entire scientific process—right from when users apply for beamtime through the User Office, to pre-experiment planning, experimental execution, and post-experiment data analysis. These systems enable instrument control, data collection and analysis, as well as archiving and cataloguing experimental data and metadata. They also facilitate data transfer to researchers’ home institutions while tracking publication output.
As part of the Diamond-II upgrade, SSCC is modernizing its software infrastructure, particularly the beamline software stack. Key to this modernization is the transition to web-based user interfaces (UIs) for all user-facing software services. The goal is to create an intuitive, centralized web portal for users, streamlining activities such as beamtime scheduling, experiment configuration, monitoring, and data management.
About the Role
We are currently seeking a highly skilled UX Designer to join the SSCC department. As part of a small UX team, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the usability of Diamond’s software systems. Your responsibilities will include:
- User Research: Engaging with beamline staff and external users to evaluate software usability and implement ongoing improvements.
- UI Design System Development: Establishing and maintaining a UI Design System that fosters collaboration, promotes consistency, improves development efficiency, and supports scalability.
- Workshops and Collaboration: Organizing UX workshops to gather user requirements for new interfaces and improve existing ones.
- Wireframe Creation: Designing low- and high-fidelity wireframes for major UI developments, including those for the new flagship beamlines in the Diamond-II programme.
- Design Oversight: Providing guidance and oversight for UI design and implementation across all Diamond software services.
In this role, you will work closely with SSCC’s software developers as well as machine operators and beamline scientists. Your goal will be to translate operational and scientific requirements into user-friendly and intuitive UI designs. Leveraging established UX industry practices, you’ll create standard UX artifacts to document and justify design choices. Furthermore, you will ensure that accessibility standards are prioritized in both the Design System and individual interface designs.
About You
We’re looking for a capable and user-focused candidate who meets the following criteria:
- Educational Background: A degree in a human behavior-related field (e.g., human-computer interaction, psychology, social sciences, or information science) or STEM subject with demonstrable UX design experience.
- User Engagement Expertise: Experience collaborating with senior stakeholders to define UX needs for software products, including facilitating requirements gathering through storytelling, presentations, workshops, and critique sessions.
- Research Proficiency: Skilled in qualitative and quantitative user research techniques such as usability testing, user interviews, workshops, surveys, card sorting, personas development, and user journey mapping.
- Design Experience: Expertise in creating low- and high-fidelity wireframes and mapping user workflows.
- Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and analytical skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders effectively.
- Interest in Science: A personal or professional interest in science is desirable for this role.
Benefits
Diamond Light Source offers its employees an outstanding benefits package to promote a healthy work-life balance, including:
- 26 days of annual leave, plus public holidays, a Christmas closure, and 2 volunteering days per year.
- Flexible working hours.
- Access to exceptional on-site facilities, including a nursery, cafés, a restaurant, and sports and leisure amenities.
- Membership in a competitive defined-benefit pension scheme.
- Relocation assistance, if applicable.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please complete our online application process and provide a compelling statement explaining why you are suited for this role.
Closing Date: The final deadline for applications is 14th September 2025. However, we encourage early applications as we may begin interviewing promising candidates before this date