Detector Technical Section Leader

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. It is a brand new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

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. We are now looking for a Detector Technical Section Leader to join our Detector Group within the NSS Division. The Detector group is responsible for managing the delivery, installation, commissioning and long-term operation of detector systems for the neutron instruments at ESS. 

This position provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to make a tangible contribution to the creation of a world-class research facility. In this role you will provide technical leadership and manage the Detector Group's technical section of Engineers and Detector Technicians on the basis of deep knowledge of standards, methods for detector design and fabrication, underlying physics of the detector technologies as well as maintenance of the neutron detectors. You will establish technical requirements, methods and procedures for testing and troubleshooting as well as ensuring that all staff are technically qualified, trained and following ESS engineering processes. Furthermore, you will provide expertise to the detector-build teams of Engineers and Technicians and will work closely with other members of the Detector Group. While the main workspace is the Detector Facility (Utgård) tasks will need to be performed at the Source Facility (close by Lund University) and eventually onsite (at ESS).  Utgård is a workshop equipped to the highest standards to be utilized for realizing ultimate neutron detector technologies. The Source Facility allows for prototypes to be subjected to well controlled fields of radiation. You may be required to visit collaborating partners and neutron centers worldwide, if necessary. 

About you:

We are looking for a self-motivated person with demonstrable experience in the field of detector installation and subsystem integration, ideally for neutron detectors at a national-or-lager scale research facility. You have experience with construction, testing, conditioning, installation, integration, commissioning and steady-state operation of detectors, including all related subsystems. These subsystems include gas, low voltage, high voltage, instrumentation electronics, slow controls and readout systems. You comply rigorously with all safety regulations and best practice and pay great attention to details, always striving for the utmost quality and refining methods and techniques to improve the detector deliverable. Experience with the types of neutron detectors to be deployed at the ESS instruments, or the underlying technologies, would be a real advantage. As this is a leadership position, prior experience of leading or managing diverse teams is a requirement. 

We believe that you possess the following knowledge, skills and competences:


• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a technical field such as engineering or physics, together with many years of relevant work experience and the ability to work effectively as a member of an extended team. Experience in an international research environment will be considered a plus.
• Detailed knowledge of detector-related gas, low voltage, high voltage, instrumentation, slow controls and readout subsystems as well as demonstrated record of the construction, testing, calibration, installation, integration, commissioning and steady-state operation of such equipment.
• Programming and computing skills and knowledge of EPICS will be considered a plus. 
• Very good oral and written English skills. Knowledge of another European language will be considered a plus. 

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 and who likes to collaborate with different people.

For this role, we need someone who can start as soon as possible!

Duration & Location

The position is permanent with six months initial probation period. Your work place will be situated 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, 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.
• 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 and quote the job reference number ESD-27911 in your application. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

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

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Conny Wendt at conny.wendt@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Yngve Levinsen at yngve.levinsen@ess.eu.

We look forward to receiving your application soon!