Instrument Scientist for ESS Test beamline, TBL

Big Science Sweden; Sweden; On-site; SEK 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

ESS in Sweden invites applications for an instrument scientist for the dedicated Test beamline (TBL). The role focuses on characterizing the neutron source and supporting a multipurpose experimental cavity with various detectors.

You will work on time-of-flight techniques, neutron tomography, and other advanced methods to exploit the long-pulse structure of the ESS source and to enable high-quality user science.

Responsibilities

• Characterize target–reflector–moderator system and verify neutron source performance (beam energy, stability, pulse length, rastering).
• Compare measured vs simulated neutronic performance of the moderator to reference neutron scattering instruments.
• Optimize instruments and methods to exploit ESS long-pulse time structure.
• Serve as a local characterization station supporting neutron optics, polarization, and detectors.
• Support the user program with exploratory imaging, neutron diffraction, and single-crystal alignment.
• Work within flexible instrument design for multiple detectors and sample environments, enabling versatile measurements across thermal to fast neutrons and gamma rays.
• Apply time-of-flight, neutron tomography, activation analysis, and grating interferometry.
• Adapt modular TBL design as objectives evolve to stay relevant.
• Note: TBL construction is complete; the team prepares for first neutrons.

Job description

Overview

Location: ESS

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

The Diffraction and Imaging Division is responsible for designing, constructing, and operating the DREAM, MAGiC, BEER, HEIMDAL, ODIN, and TBL instruments at ESS, and for developing new designs to leverage the long-pulse time structure of the ESS neutron source.

Responsibilities

• Characterize the target–reflector–moderator system and verify the performance of the neutron source based on parameters such as proton beam energy, stability, pulse length, and beam rastering, as well as moderator conditions.
• Compare measured and simulated neutronic performance of the moderator to provide a reference for various neutron scattering instruments.
• Contribute to optimizing instruments and methods to exploit the long-pulse time structure of the ESS neutron source.
• Function as a local characterization station, supporting technical developments in areas such as neutron optics, polarization, and novel detectors.
• Support the user program by performing exploratory imaging experiments, neutron diffraction studies, and single-crystal alignment.
• Operate within a flexible instrument design that accommodates multiple detectors and sample environments inside the experimental cave, enabling multipurpose measurements on thermal, epithermal/fast neutrons, and gamma rays.
• Apply techniques including time-of-flight transmission measurements, neutron tomography, neutron activation analysis, and grating interferometry, among others.
• Adapt the modular design of the TBL as objectives evolve to maintain relevance and utility in advancing neutron science.
• Note: The construction of TBL is completed and the team is preparing the instrument for the first neutrons.

Notes

The description reflects the role and its responsibilities as described for the Test beamline (TBL) at ESS.