Instrument Scientist TOFTOF (m/f/d)

Technische Universität München Jobportal; Garching bei München; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days vacation

VBL pension plan

Health offers

University sports

Continuing education

Job summary

Technical University Munich operates the high flux Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) in Garching, Germany. TOFTOF is a time‑of‑flight chopper spectrometer used to study dynamic processes in condensed matter.

We invite applications for a full-time scientist position (m/f/d) as Instrument Scientist TOFTOF. You will lead the scientific upgrade, oversee technical realisation, and collaborate across disciplines in an international team.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field.
• Strong background in neutron spectroscopy and instrumentation.
• Experience with experimental techniques and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Scientific lead of TOFTOF upgrade and its technical realisation.
• Project lead for upgrade work packages at TOFTOF.
• Conduct instrumentation tests to validate performance.
• Develop methods in neutron spectroscopy and operate the instrument.
• Pursue own scientific projects using neutron spectroscopy.

Skills

Neutron spectroscopy

Instrumentation projects

Scientific programming

Python

C++

MATLAB

Education

PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science

Tools

McStas

Job description

Technical University Munich operates the high flux Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) located at the scientific campus in Garching, Germany. The neutron source itself, its research instruments as well as the irradiation facilities provide unique possibilities for the scientific and industrial use of neutron beams.

TOFTOF is a neutron time-of-flight chopper spectrometer to study dynamic processes in hard and soft condensed matter. The main areas of application are from materials science, soft matter, biological or magnetic systems. After years of successful operation, the instrument will receive a significant technical upgrade in the coming years.

For the further development and the operation of the instrument TOFTOF we invite applications for full-time (40 h/week) scientist position (m/f/d) as Instrument Scientist TOFTOF (m/f/d).

Tasks and Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the scientific oversight of the technical upgrade of the instrument TOFTOF and attend to its technical realisation.

Your tasks include:

• Scientific lead of TOFTOF’s further developments, i.e. of the neutron transport and chopper system. Conceptual design and future development of the secondary spectrometer, including the neutron detectors. Demonstration of its performance for the intended scientific applications.
• Project lead for the technical realisation of the upgrade work packages at TOFTOF
• Experimental tests of instrument critical components to validate performance
• Method development in the area of neutron spectroscopy
• Operation of the instrument and scientific and technical support in user operation
• Pursuit of own scientific projects using neutron spectroscopy methods

Your responsibility is focused on the instrument TOFTOF. In future, your tasks might include further instrumentation projects.

Qualification and Experience

• PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field.
• Strong background in neutron spectroscopy and hands‑on experience with experimental techniques and instrumentation. Experience with polarized neutrons are an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct instrumentation projects and operate complex scientific setups.
• Knowledge of scientific programming and data analysis (e.g. Python, C++, MATLAB) is required, experience with ray tracing simulation packages, e.g. McStas, are beneficial.
• Self‑motivated and independent working style combined with the ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research and motivation to develop an own scientific research profile
• Persuasive communication skills and ability to work in a team in an international environment are mandatory. Good oral and written English skills are required, German language skills are an asset.

For further information about the position, please contact Wiebke Lohstroh, E-Mail: [e-mail]

The high safety standard of our facility requires the reliability of the employees according to German nuclear law. Appropriate reliability checks have to be performed for all employees.

Benefits

We offer flexible working hours, 30 days' vacation per year and a company pension plan (VBL). As an employee of FRM II, you can benefit from many other TUM offers, such as

• TUM's health offers
• University sports
• TUM's internal continuing education and training opportunities
• TUM childcare (subject to availability)
• Very good accessibility by public transport

The position is remunerated according to TV-L and limited to 3 years. The position is suitable for severely disabled people. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they otherwise have essentially the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. TUM aims to increase the proportion of women. Applications from women are therefore expressly welcomed.