David Burn
About David Burn
David Burn is a Principal Beamline Scientist at Diamond Light Source, focusing on nanoscale magnetism and spintronic interactions. He has a background in developing synchrotron radiation techniques and has held various research and leadership roles at institutions including Durham University and Oxford Instruments.
Current Role at Diamond Light Source
David Burn serves as the Principal Beamline Scientist at Diamond Light Source, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he focuses on nanoscale magnetism and spintronic interactions, contributing to research that aims to achieve technological advancements through fundamental scientific discovery. His work involves the development of advanced instrumentation, particularly in the area of coherent soft x-ray imaging and diffraction.
Previous Experience at Diamond Light Source
Prior to his current role, David Burn worked at Diamond Light Source as a Postdoctoral Research Associate from 2015 to 2017 and again from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, he developed novel synchrotron radiation techniques to investigate magnetic phenomena in quantum, topological, and nanofabricated materials. His contributions during these years laid the groundwork for ongoing research in the field.
Education and Academic Background
David Burn studied at Durham University, where he earned a Master of Physics (MPhys) with first-class honors from 2005 to 2009. He continued his education at the same institution, completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics from 2009 to 2013. His academic background provided a strong foundation for his research interests, which include the manipulation of topological features such as skyrmions and magnetic domain walls.
Professional Experience at Durham University
David Burn held multiple positions at Durham University, including Technical Director from 2006 to 2013 and Middle Common Room President from 2010 to 2011. He also worked as a Postgraduate Researcher from 2009 to 2013 and participated in a research studentship in 2007. His diverse roles at the university contributed to his expertise in scientific research and leadership.
Career at Oxford Instruments and Imperial College London
David Burn worked as a Senior Measurement Scientist at Oxford Instruments from 2021 to 2022, where he applied his expertise in measurement science. Prior to this, he was a Research Associate at Imperial College London from 2013 to 2015. These positions allowed him to further develop his skills in scientific research and instrumentation.