Instrument Scientist for ESS Test beamline

ESSE - European Spallation Source ERIC; Lunds kommun; On-site; SEK 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

ESSE - European Spallation Source ERIC is seeking an instrument scientist for the Test beamline (TBL) at the European Spallation Source in Lund, Sweden. The role focuses on commissioning, diagnostics, and developing methods to exploit the long-pulse neutron source for advanced imaging and spectroscopy.

The successful candidate will join a core instrument team, collaborate with operations engineers, and contribute to expanding capabilities and user-driven research at the facility.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, engineering or chemistry.
• 2+ years postdoc with publications preferred.
• Experience programming for data analysis (Python, C++, ROOT or similar).
• Strong collaboration, communication and safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Commission the TBL beamline with neutrons.
• Develop a diagnostic plan for ESS Operation using TBL.
• Create and implement new experimental methods (e.g., spectroscopic imaging, diffractive imaging).
• Build synergies with other neutron facilities and universities.

Skills

Python

C++

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

PhD in physics or related

Tools

ROOT

Scipp

Job description

The European Spallation Source (ESS) will soon be the world’s most powerful source of neutrons, providing researchers with unique opportunities to explore the structure of materials at the atomic level. Neutron scattering at ESS will address critical questions in physics, chemistry, geology, materials science and life science.

The Science Directorate at ESS invites applications for an instrument scientist for the dedicated Test beamline (TBL).

The Diffraction and Imaging Division is home to the instrument scientists and instrument operational engineers 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.

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 energy, 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 time‑of‑flight transmission measurements, neutron tomography, 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. The construction of TBL is completed and the team prepares the instrument for the first neutrons.

About the role

• Work closely with another scientist and the instrument operations engineer, forming the core instrument team.
• Participate in commissioning of the TBL beamline with neutrons.
• Develop a diagnostic plan for ESS Operation via the utilisation of TBL.
• Develop and implement new experimental methods using the TBL, including (but not limited to) spectroscopic imaging, diffractive imaging, polarized neutron imaging, grating interferometry, neutron depth profiling, prompt‑gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA), and advanced sample environments, etc.
• Develop synergies with other neutron facilities and build links with universities.

The position is a 3‑year fixed term role and the workplace will be situated in Lund, Sweden.

ESS will support and encourage the candidate to take up an adjunct position at a university in an ESS partner country, in order to facilitate their own research.

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

• Completed PhD, within the subjects of physics, material science, engineering or chemistry.
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience with a proven record of publications.
• 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.
• Responsible attitude to personal safety and the safety of others.

Desirable experience

• Experience with position‑sensitive and/or time‑of‑flight neutron detectors.
• Experience with event‑mode neutron detection systems.
• Experience with user operation at a large‑scale neutron facility.
• Experience in developing neutron instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of one or more of the data reduction, analysis or 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. Flexibility to work outside normal office hours is expected. 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.