Chief Science Officer Diamond Light Source

Business Area: Science

Full Time Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Post Type: Full time / Fixed term

Term: Other (see advert)

Closing Date: 12/10/2026

Ref No: 11879

Documents

• Chief Science Officer - Candidate pack.pdf
  (PDF, 1851.36kb)
• CSO JD.docx
  (Word, 49.97kb)
• CSO - PS.docx
  (Word, 42.66kb)

Chief Science Officer

5 year fixed term basis

About us

Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron - a unique and world-class scientific facility enabling cutting-edge research across a range of sciences.

Established in 2002 as a joint venture between STFC/UKRI and the Wellcome Trust, Diamond provides national science infrastructure that is free at the point of use. Diamond now employs around 900 members of staff and hosts 33 cutting-edge synchrotron-based instruments and a range of advanced electron microscopes, utilised by over 14,000 academic and industrial researchers across a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology. In 2023, Diamond secured over £500m in funding to upgrade the facility to a state-of-the-art 4th generation synchrotron.

About the role

As we enter this exciting new phase of growth, we are now inviting applications for an exceptional Chief Science Officer (CSO) to join Diamond's Executive Team and lead the development of Diamond's science strategy, while inspiring and leading a unified Science Division. This appointment represents a significant opportunity to shape the future scientific capabilities and impact of the facility, ensuring Diamond continues to deliver outstanding research and innovation for the UK and internationally.

The CSO will provide strategic scientific leadership across Diamond, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Directors and Board. They will lead the development and prioritisation of the scientific programme, oversee the in-house research programme and science grants, and ensure that Diamond's user programme delivers world-leading impact. The CSO will also lead Diamond's Innovation strategy, contribute to the development of its scientific computing and software strategy, and develop collaborations and scientific initiatives with other national and international facilities.

The successful candidate will be an important external ambassador for Diamond, developing strong relationships with the scientific community, users, partners and funders, working with advisory committees and external stakeholders to ensure that the facility's scientific priorities and capabilities maximise impact across the UK and internationally.

About you

We are looking for an exceptional scientific leader with the credibility, vision and collaborative leadership skills to inspire a broad and highly talented Science Division and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence. The successful candidate will bring significant senior leadership experience within a major scientific organisation, with a proven track record of developing a scientific strategy, leading major research programmes or facility upgrades, building strong relationships with facility users and external stakeholders, and securing or developing significant funding.

This is a high-profile Executive Team position offering an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's leading scientific facilities and to influence the UK's scientific and innovation landscape at a pivotal moment in Diamond's development.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 12th October

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Diamond Light Source is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.

Diamond attracts talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 56 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women.

Diamond are members of Working Families (the UK's work-life balance organisation) and we have also achieved the Disability Confident Level Two award.