Scientist for Radioactive Material Laboratory

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. Our goal is to become the brightest source of neutrons for science and technology and be operational by the end of this decade. A state of the art suite of neutron scattering instruments will be made available to address a wide range of scientific fields in fundamental and materials science. Powered by the world's most advanced linear proton accelerator, ESS will enable cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, health, and the environment for decades to come.

Join us in shaping the future of science - from the ground up.

About the role

Within the Science Directorate, the Scientific Support Division provides the ESS neutron science program with experimental support including user laboratories, sample environments, deuteration, and hall coordination in close collaboration with Instrument Divisions.

The Support Laboratory group at ESS is preparing to support all scientific users of the ESS instruments by providing on-site laboratories for general chemistry as well as specialized laboratories for soft matter/life sciences, materials characterization and radioactive materials.

We are now seeking a Support Laboratory Scientist for the Radioactive Materials Laboratory (RML) to support the user program with facilities for the safe handling of activated samples and materials. In this role, you will be responsible for the user operations, safety and development of the RML facilities, and will work in close collaboration with other members of the Support Laboratory group.

Day-to-day, you will be expected to:

Be responsible for the safety and operations of the RML and active sample storage room.

Provide RML user services including operation of equipment, user assistance and methodological laboratory services.

Carry out expert safety reviews for the Experiment Safety Review committee.

Organize procurement, calibration, maintenance and repair of equipment and laboratory infrastructure in the RML.

Collaborate with instrument teams, the Radioprotection group and Support Laboratory team to provide safe and effective experimental support to users with active samples.

Collaborate with other research infrastructure to develop and follow and best practices for active material laboratories and active sample handling procedures.

Participate in scientific projects and collaborations with the RML user community.

Assist with installation/setting up/renewal of laboratories.

About you

The ideal candidate is a confident, service-oriented laboratory professional with excellent communication skills and a natural talent for organizing laboratory support, safety and user support. You have an MSc or PhD in chemistry or a chemical science and solid hands-on work experience in chemistry laboratories for sample preparation and analysis. You are experienced in chemical safety and accustomed to handling radioactive samples and materials. While you are a professional scientist, you're also a natural organizer skilled at liaising with both internal stakeholders and external users or service providers, and proactive when it comes to identifying risks or opportunties, solving problems, planning workflows, and responding to unexpected situations. For you, like us, safety comes first.

You are expected to have documented experience of:

Working in chemistry laboratories and handling of radioactive samples

Analytical laboratory techniques and equipment

Chemical and radiological safety in a laboratory environment

Supervising scientists and technicians working in laboratories

Organising and providing training for laboratory users

Organising and planning laboratory workflows and maintenance of equipment

Additional merits that would constitute an advantage:

Experience of working as a laboratory responsible

Experience of working in a scientific user laboratory or research infrastructure

Experience of working in a multidisciplinary international environment

Experience of neutron scattering methods for materials research

This is a full-time, permanent position based at the ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden.

What can we offer?

Aside from the chance to work at truly unique big science project, you can also expect:

An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.

A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.

A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.

Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.

30 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.

Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.

Flexible working arrangements and a real work-life balance.

If you see yourself in what we're looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on "apply" and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

The last day for receiving applications is July 7 2026.

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

For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Sofie Berg on sofie.berg@ess.eu or Hiring Manager Hanna Wacklin-Knecht on hanna.wacklin-knecht@ess.eu

This role requires enhanced security screening processes which will be performed during the recruitment and onboarding processes. For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process in general, please follow this link: https://europeanspallationsource.se/careers For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on Nerusha.Naicker@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at Marc.Kickulies@ess.eu