Instrument Scientist for HEIMDAL

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

Desirable experience:

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.

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.

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.

Application & Contact

A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.

If you see yourself in what we're looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on "apply" and follow the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Submit your application as soon as you can, no later than August 16, 2026.

The recruitment process will have one round of initial interviews via Zoom in end of August and beginning of September and onsite interviews at ESS in the end of September and beginning of October. Part of the onsite interview will be to hold a scientific talk (seminar) that will be open to all ESS employees.

This role requires additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Louise Jönegård on louise.jonegardmailto:email@ess.eu or Hiring Manager Mikhail Feygenson on mailto:mikhail.feygenson@ess.eu.

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias on mailto:nuno.elias@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:marc.kickulies@ess.eu

We look forward to receiving your applications soon!