Beamline Scientist
Position Overview
- Ongoing | Full Time | $119k - $154k +15.4% super
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Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne
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Join an outstanding team operating a leading synchrotron X-ray diffraction beamline
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Work with a multi-disciplinary user community, with opportunities to conduct your own research
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As part of the Diffraction Group, the Powder Diffraction beamline staff contribute to all operation, development and commissioning of beamline instrumentation and controls systems.
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Flexible workplace supporting diversity and inclusion
About the Opportunity
The Beamline Scientist — Powder Diffraction (PD) Beamlines is a full time ongoing position. This role is an opportunity to work within the PD beamline and broader Synchrotron science teams to support and develop the extensive Powder Diffraction user community. The Beamline Science team apply expertise to the operation, maintenance, and development of the beamlines, as well as leading research, industry engagement and outreach activities.
The PD beamline at the Australian synchrotron is a versatile beamline which can conduct a range of experiments with monochromatic X-rays from 10 – 21 KeV. The beamline supports a broad set of experiments in fields such as engineering, material science, Earth sciences, solid-state chemistry, energy production and storage, industrial processing, catalysis, and mineralogy.
The main PD endstation can take traditional capillary samples but is also equipped with a range of in situ sample cells including; in situ electrochemical testing, gas pressure/temperature, diamond anvil cells for use in multiple diffraction geometries.
About You
In this role, you will foster excellent engagement with other members of the Diffraction Beamline group, the Science Team, and other operational teams across the facility. You will have in-depth knowledge of the capabilities, techniques and instrumentation on a diffraction beamline to enable the best possible scientific outcomes. You will provide input into scientific development at the Australian Synchrotron through strategic planning and beamline development activities.
Key selection criteria:
- PhD in physics, materials science, engineering, chemistry, or related fields with some post-doctoral experience in a diffraction-based research project. Demonstrated by publications confirming your ability to conduct impactful research and showing excellent experimental and diffraction data analysis skills;
- Ability to grow your established research program via collaboration in an active user community.
- Experience at large research facilities as a beamline scientist undertaking experiments, supporting users, and providing data analysis in X-ray and/or neutron scattering.
- Demonstrated technical skills to design, implement, configure and operate diffraction instrumentation and sample environments.
- An in-depth working knowledge of X-ray diffraction and related techniques, such as fundamental parameters, Rietveld, QPA, total scattering, modulated structures, including specific experimental design, data processing and analysis;
- Knowledge and experience in scientific software programming (e.g. Python, EPICS)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Strong time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to work independently, prioritise competing tasks, plan and deliver work to deadlines and respond effectively to changing operational priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially in a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, including collaborating with scientists, engineers and operations staff, sharing knowledge, contributing constructively to planning and problem-solving, and maintaining positive working relationships in a busy user-facing environment.
- Commitment to working safely in a laboratory and large-facility environment, including conducting and documenting risk assessments, following radiation and site safety procedures, operating equipment and sample environments in a safe manner, and proactively reporting hazards and incidents to protect users, colleagues and the facility.
Your Duties and Responsibilities
- Work within a dynamic team of experts and acquire skills in new research applications.
- Provide scientific and technical support, advice, and training to national and international synchrotron beamline users of the PD beamline.
- Contribute expertise and knowledge to the development of plans and processes for the beamline, facilities, and capabilities.
- Engage with the Australian, and international, scientific community to develop a thriving synchrotron research user base.
- Undertake research which increases your own capacity for diffraction beamline usage and understanding to improve scientific visibility of the Australian Synchrotron.
- Promote and develop outreach activities within the PD beamline team, and on behalf of the Australian Synchrotron and ANSTO.
- Participate in professional forums and other professional associations. Highlight the impact and benefits of the facility to the scientific community, external stakeholders, and general audiences at the local and international level.
Please click here to view the Position Description.
About Us
ANSTO leverages great science to deliver big outcomes. We partner with scientists and engineers and apply new technologies to provide real-world benefits. Our work improves human health, saves lives, builds our industries and protects the environment. ANSTO is the home of Australia's most significant landmark and national infrastructure for research. Thousands of scientists from industry and academia benefit from gaining access to state-of-the-art instruments every year.
Benefits of Working with Us
ANSTO employees are passionate about what they do. We enjoy being part of an organisation making a difference in the lives of Australians.
We support and reward our employees through eligibility for:
- Training, development and mentoring opportunities
- Performance based salary increases
- Work-life balance with generous leave entitlements and flexible conditions
If you want to join a world class organisation that's making a difference in the lives of Australians, apply now!
How to Apply
For further technical information relating to this position please refer to the Position Description or contact Justin Kimpton on +61 3 8540 4145. For all other queries please contact Talent Acquisition on +61 (02) 9717 3740.
To be eligible for appointment, applicants will require a security and pre-employment medical assessment.
Application closing date: 3 May 2026 at 11:59pm.
All applicants must be Australian citizens.
In order to solve great challenges, we need great minds and great teams. At ANSTO, we understand that diverse teams produce better outcomes and we value the merit that a diverse perspective can bring to our team. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, primary carers, those with a disability, and women in STEM. ANSTO is a charter member of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and is proudly taking action to create a gender-inclusive workforce.