Instrument Scientist for HEIMDAL

European Spallation Source; Lunds kommun; On-site; SEK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The European Spallation Source in Lund, Sweden, invites applications for an Instrument Scientist for the HEIMDAL powder diffractometer within the Diffraction & Imaging Division. The role focuses on finalizing installation, commissioning with and without neutrons, and collaborating with the core instrument team and partner institutions.

You should hold a PhD in experimental physical sciences, with practical neutron powder diffraction experience and strong data-analysis skills (GSAS-II, TOPAS,

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental studies in physical sciences relevant to HEIMDAL.
• Practical experience in neutron powder diffraction.
• Experience with data analysis using GSAS-II, TOPAS, FullProf, Jana2006, PDFgui.
• Strong publication record demonstrating independent research.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Flexible to work out-of-hours to support users.
• Commitment to safety.
• Experience with user operation at a large neutron facility.
• Experience with time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction.
• Experience with PDF and SANS measurements.
• Experience with complex sample environments in neutron powder diffraction.

Responsibilities

• Finalize installation and commissioning of HEIMDAL and participate in commissioning.
• Collaborate closely with the core instrument team and partner institutions.
• Deliver advanced scientific capabilities and results with the user community.
• Plan and implement developments and upgrades of the instrument.
• Push capabilities to maximize benefit of the ESS source.

Skills

PhD in experimental studies

Neutron powder diffraction

GSAS-II

TOPAS

FullProf

Jana2006

PDFgui

Independent research profile

Collaborative work

Interpersonal communication

Out-of-hours flexibility

Safety awareness

International travel

User operation experience

Time-of-flight diffraction

PDF and SANS measurements

Complex sample environments

Education

PhD in experimental physical sciences relevant to HEIMDAL

Job description

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. It will provide 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.

We are now looking for an Instrument Scientist for the HEIMDAL powder diffractometer. The position is with the Diffraction & Imaging Division.

About the division

The Diffraction & Imaging Division consists of the scientific staff that are leading the instrument construction projects and the staff that will eventually execute the day-to-day operations of six neutron instruments. The upcoming responsibilities of the division are

• Finalize the installation and commissioning of all instruments in the division
• Deliver state-of-the-art scientific capabilities for internal and external users to enable the wider science community to advance science and technology
• Deliver scientific results from the neutron instruments in collaboration with the user community and other divisions in the science directorate
• Plan and implement further developments and upgrades of the instruments
• Push the state-of-the-art capabilities of neutron instrumentation to make maximum benefit from the ESS source.

Main Responsibilities

HEIMDAL is a multiscale diffractometer that, in its full scope, will enable studies of functional materials across a wide range of length scales, from conventional powder diffraction to the small‑angle neutron scattering (SANS) regime (possible future upgrade). The construction of the diffractometer part of the instrument is ongoing and expected to be completed in 2027. The immediate mission is to finalize the installation of the instrument and take part in the commissioning of the instrument without and with neutrons. The instrument scientist will work closely with the core instrument team at ESS, comprising another instrument scientist, an instrument computational scientist, and an instrument operational engineer, and in strong interaction with partner institutions and ESS technical services. The successful candidate must be active in a scientific field of direct relevance to HEIMDAL.

Essential qualifications and experience

• PhD in experimental studies in the physical sciences relevant to the HEIMDAL scientific programme, preferably in energy or nanoscaled materials.
• Practical experience in neutron powder diffraction
• Working knowledge of the data analysis for diffraction software GSAS‑II, TOPAS, FullProf, Jana2006, PDFgui
• Evidence of an independent research profile in relevant science areas supported by a publication record
• 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.
• Flexibility to requests to work out‑of‑hours to support users
• Responsible attitude to personal safety and the safety of others
• Willingness to international travel
• Experience with user operation at a large‑scale neutron facility
• Experience with time‑of‑flight neutron powder diffraction
• Experience with PDF and ideally SANS measurements
• Practical experience in operating complex sample environments relating to neutron powder diffraction.

Duration & Location

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

Contact

For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Louise Jönegård on louise.jonegard@[e-mail] or Hiring Manager Mikhail Feygenson on [e-mail].