HR Business Partner

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 the mother of all microscopes! It 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.

Others have built telescopes that allow us to look into the deepest regions of space. Now we are building a microscope so powerful it will allow us to the study the smallest objects – atoms – 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 now need to recruit a new HR Business Partner to work within our growing HR organisation.

As our next HR Business Partner, you will be one of three HR Business Partners at ESS. Your main task to support, challenge, coach and guide line managers in all HR-related processes. You will assist both operationally and strategically. The goal is always be to a support the managers to evolve in their role, with the needs of the employees and the best interests of the organisation in mind.

We need someone who can quickly build a solid understanding of the business and translate your insights into organisational solutions and development activities. You will ultimately be responsible for implementing and anchoring the key HR processes throughout the organisation.

About you:

To thrive with us in the HR Team, 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 participate in management teams regularly or when needed. At ESS, no two work days will be the same. One day, you could be taking part in the salary review process and compensation, whilst the next day you could be working on psychosocial work environment related tasks or calculating staffing forecasts.

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. Ideally, you will have appropriate technical qualifications at the post-secondary school level. However relevant experience in a similar role is more critical than the type of qualification you hold.We really need someone with a good general knowledge of Swedish labour law, and deep knowledge within Swedish regulations regarding collective agreements, social insurance, parental leave, pension system, holidays, paid time off, etc. Knowledge of Danish labor law and regulations would be a definite 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, 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 it is important that you can also work in Swedish as well. For this role, we need someone who can start as soon as possible. It would be a definite advantage if you have prior experience of working in an international or highly multicultural workplace.

What can we offer?

Aside from the opportunity to work at one of only 4 linear accelerator-based Spallation sources on the whole planet, 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.

Interested? We sure hope so.

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 application is Monday 15th August 2022 - so submit your application as soon as soon as you can. Please quote the job reference number 1223 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 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!