Instrument Scientist for ESS Test beamline

Reference number ESD-76370

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The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

Come and build the future of Science with us!

The ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are now looking for an Instrument Scientist for the dedicated Test beamline (TBL).

Description of Division
The Diffraction and Imaging Division is home to the instrument scientists and post-docs responsible for designing, constructing, and operating the DREAM, MAGiC, BEER, HEIMDAL, ODIN, and TBL instruments at ESS. New designs for a wide range of neutron instruments are being implemented to fully leverage the unique long-pulse time structure of the ESS neutron source. Currently, 15 instruments are under construction for ESS, with TBL set to be the first operational instrument. The primary purpose of TBL is to measure and characterize the first neutrons produced by ESS, ensuring the newly built spallation neutron source is accurately characterized at the start of operations. Once these initial objectives are met, TBL will serve as a test platform for various aspects of ESS operations and support the user program.

Description of TBL
The primary purpose of TBL is characterizing the target-reflector-moderator system and verifying the performance of the neutron source based on operating parameters such as proton beam power, stability, pulse length, and beam rastering, as well as the moderator conditions. An important aspect of this work will be comparing the measured and simulated neutronic performance of the moderator, providing a crucial reference for various neutron scattering instruments. Additionally, the TBL will contribute to optimizing instruments and methods to fully exploit the unique long-pulse time structure of the ESS neutron source. The TBL will function as a local characterization station, supporting technical developments in areas such as neutron optics, polarization, and novel detectors. It is designed to support the user program by performing exploratory imaging experiments, neutron diffraction studies, and single-crystal alignment. Due to the flexibility of the instrument, a variety of detectors and sample environments can be fitted inside the experimental cave, allowing multipurpose measurements on not only thermal neutrons but also epithermal/fast neutrons and gamma rays. This includes but is not limited to a well-established technique such as Bragg-edge measurements, prompt-gamma neutron activation analysis, grating interferometry, etc. As the facility evolves, the modular design of the TBL will allow for modifications to meet new objectives, ensuring its continued relevance and utility in advancing neutron science.

About the role:
The instrument scientist will work closely with another Scientist and the Instrument Operations Engineer, forming the core instrument team.

• The selected candidate will participate in the final installation and testing of components and contribute to their commissioning with neutrons.
• Develop a diagnostic plan for ESS Operation via the utilization of TBL
• Develop and implement new experimental methods using the TBL, including (but not limited to) wavelength-resolved imaging, diffractive imaging, grating interferometry, prompt-gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA), and advanced sample environments, etc.
• Pursue an independent research program.
• Develop synergies with other neutron facilities and build links with universities.
• Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal office hours.
• Responsible attitude to personal safety and the safety of others
• Willingness to international travel

This is a full-time, 3 year fixed term position based at the ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden.

About you:
We will place great emphasis on personal suitability for the position and work environment. The evaluation will take into account, among other things, problem-solving and analytical skills, collaboration skills and initiative. A proactive approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are important. The role is particularly suited for candidates with a strong interest in instrument commissioning, diagnostics, and method development at a new neutron source.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• PhD, within the subjects of physics, material science, engineering or chemistry
• Experience in programming (python, C++, ROOT or similar) for data analysis
• Ability to work collaboratively and individually
• Good interpersonal communication and presentation skills, and the ability to interact effectively with staff and users at all levels.

Desirable experience:

• Experience with position-sensitive and/or time-of-flight neutron detectors
• Experience with time-of-flight neutron techniques
• Experience with user operation at a large-scale neutron facility
• Experience in developing neutron instrumentation
• Working knowledge of one or more of the data analysis/visualisation packages used within ESS (python, Scipp etc.)

Experience of working in an international environment is preferred and excellent oral and written English skills are prerequisites. Our work environment is characterised by fast growth, a fast pace of work, and an international atmosphere with highly skilled personnel. You must therefore enjoy the diversity of such an environment and have a personality suited for the challenges it presents. Our work environment is exciting and forward thinking and relies heavily on personal initiative.

What can we offer?
Aside from the chance to work at truly unique big science project, you can also expect:

• An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.
• A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.
• Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.
• 30 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.
• Flexible working arrangements and a real work-life balance.

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.

The last day for receiving application is February 22 2026 - so submit your application as soon as you can.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Sofie Berg – Recruitment partner – at [email protected]

For further information regarding the position, please contact Mikhail Feygenson – Head of Diffraction & Imaging Division – via [email protected]

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias on [email protected] or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application soon!

URL to this pagehttps://europeanspallationsource.se/careers/vacancies?rmpage=job&rmjob=1929&rmlang=UK

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