Chemical Safety Officer

Imagine what we could learn if we could build a microscope so powerful that it could look deep inside the very materials that the universe is made from. A microscope that could actually let us see the atoms and molecules that substances are made from. Imagine the new discoveries we could make, the new materials we could develop and how much we could learn about ourselves and our universe.

The European Spallation Source is one of the most exciting, innovative and ground-breaking,” Big Science” projects under construction today. Research with neutrons lies behind some of the most important materials and innovations which improve our everyday lives, our health and our environment – and ESS will be the most powerful neutron microscope when fully operational in 2027.

Whilst others have built telescopes that allow us to look into the furthest regions of space, now we will build a device so powerful it will allow us to the study the smallest objects in the finest detail.

Come and build the future of Science with us!

About the role:

The ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are looking to appoint a Chemical Safety Officer to join our Environmental Safety, Health and Quality (ESH&Q) Division. Within the ESH&Q division, the Occupational Health and Safety group is responsible for issues and questions related to OHS aspects for design, installation and commissioning as well as the future operation of the facility.

As a Chemical Safety Officer at ESS, your role is pivotal in ensuring the safe and secure handling of chemicals and hazardous materials, which may include biological substances. You will provide essential guidance and support to the organisation in different areas of the facility. Your role will include providing training to the organisation on specific safety topics, maintaining the chemical database, writing permit submissions for chemicals, investigating incidents, advising on risk assessments and preparing rules and procedures in the Occupational Health and Safety Ways of Working domain. Most importantly though, you will participate in the implementation of a healthy safety culture at ESS.

About you:

To thrive with us in the Environmental Health and Safety Division, you need to be driven, responsive and good at spotting both problems and opportunities.

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. For this role, this means an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a closely related field. While prior work experience is always valued, any relevant internships, research projects, or coursework related to chemical safety would be a valuable asset. We are looking for a highly motivated and safety-conscious individual who is eager to grow in the field of chemical safety and contribute to a safe working environment within our organisation. ESS will provide on-the-job training to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

We need the successful candidate to have a clear understanding of chemical hazards, safe handling procedures, storage requirements, and disposal methods. Up-to-date knowledge of relevant Swedish laws, regulations, and industry standards is a plus. The ability to meticulously follow safety protocols, conduct thorough inspections, and identify potential safety hazards - as well as the capacity to analyse safety-related issues, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions - are important pre-requisites for this role. Proficiency in using standard office software and familiarity with chemical management software would be an advantage.

We are building ESS from the ground up, so we need someone who is comfortable not only following procedures, but also creating them. We attach great importance to personality and attitude, so we're looking for a real team player: Someone who is sociable, has excellent communication skills, who likes to collaborate with different people and who is committed to helping this amazing project to realise its full potential. We need a hands-on self-starter who is able to work in a structured, orderly, responsible and – most importantly – safe way.

The working language of ESS is English but for this role we ideally need someone who can speak, read and write Swedish at a very high level (B2/C1). This is a full time, permanent role and we need someone who can start as soon as possible.

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, exciting and fast-paced 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.

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

We review applications continuously, so don’t miss out! Submit your application as soon as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-22282 in your application.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks, which may be required in the final stages of the recruitment process.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process or contact Daniel Nordin Baker – Recruitment partner – at daniel.nordin@ess.eu. For further information regarding the position, please contact the hiring manager Helen Boyer on helen.boyer@ess.eu

We look forward to receiving your application soon!