Detector Scientist

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

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 now looking for a Detector Scientist to join our Detector Group. In this role, you will primarily work as work unit manager and detector scientist for the construction of the MultiGrid detector for the T-REX instrument. T-REX will probe mainly single crystals of low dimensional, topological and frustrated materials, quantum magnets, high temperature superconductors, multifunctional oxides, molecular magnets and functional materials, such as catalysis metals, ion-transport materials, fuel cell membranes, nanomaterials, thermo-electric and magneto-caloric materials.

As well as leading the detector build, this role involves evaluation of prototype modules, neutron testing, analysis, dissemination and stakeholder relations. Key resources will be drawn from the Detector group and other groups within the NSS Project Division as required. In order to ensure that the construction project is delivered on-time, and on budget, and meets the requirements of the T-REX Instrument team, this role comes with wide ranging responsibilities and duties that will include managing the selection of the mechanical engineering solutions; leading the assembly and building of the detector prototypes at the workshops; supervising the procurement of parts; managing the detector construction and commissioning it for the T-REX instrument, and working with the Planning and Coordination Group to develop and maintain a detailed project plan to track progress.

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

About you:

To thrive with us in the Detector Group, you need to be driven, responsive and good at spotting both problems and opportunities. You need to be a highly motivated person who isn’t afraid to get your hands dirty.

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. For this role, this means a PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics or a closely related subject, as well as several years of post-PhD experience. This requirement is non-negotiable. Prior experience in neutron detection is essential. Experience in thermal neutron detection is desirable, and experience with time-of-flight and neutron scattering techniques is an advantage.

Our ideal candidate has intimate knowledge of Boron-10 thin film detector development, construction and operation. It will also be considered an advantage if you can bring prior experience of developing and evaluating detector technology for neutron direct spectroscopy, knowledge of thermal neutron background discrimination or any industrial experience with a reputable radiation detector manufacturer.

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 and for this role, we need someone who can start as soon as possible. Knowledge of other European languages would be beneficial.

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.

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.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.

We review applications continuously, so don’t miss out! Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-38691 in your application.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker - Technical Recruiter – on daniel.nordin@ess.eu 

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Conny Wendt at conny.wendt@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu.

We look forward to receiving your application soon!