Mechatronics Engineer for Sample Environment

The Science Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, invites applications for a Mechatronics Engineer for Sample Environment with an emphasis on automatisation and the integration of research equipment.
Description of directorate/division
The Scientific Activities Division (SAD) within the Science Directorate coordinates the ESS neutron research programme within the science focus areas life sciences and soft condensed matter, physics and chemistry of materials, engineering and geo-sciences, fundamental physics as well as neutron technology. SAD also supports the interactions with the academic community and industrial users by co-organising various scientific and methodological meeting series. As far as building the ESS is concerned, SAD is responsible for the scientific support laboratories, sample environment and user office. In this SAD helps setting the policies on designing, building and operating a science driven experimental facility.

Main responsibilities
The primary task is to develop and integrate innovative sample environment for life science and soft matter research. This includes the development of liquid handling, robotic and linear changers, surface preparation and growth and humidity control. Integration of commercial components of sample environment equipment concerns e.i gas/vapos/ liquid interfaces, chemical reactions, stress strain analysis, pump-probe, kinetics and shear. You will be responsible for the integration of the appropriated devices into the facility wide control system EPICS developing software in collaborations with other ESS teams. This includes defining standards and protocols as well as the development and implementation of EPICS drivers profiting from the interfaces with the groups on 'electrical engineering and motion control' as well as 'integrated control systems'. You will be part of the ESS Science Directorate but also gain professional experience at other neutron facilities and research teams. Synergies with the neighbouring MAX-IV synchrotron as well as strong links with universities will be encouraged. 

Qualifications
You have a master in engineering and experience for the mechantronics needs in a scientific environment, a proactive approach, ability to work both independently and in a team environment, and a keen interest in developing and integrating sample environment equipment for a scientific user facility. Skills in embedded and high level software development (e.g. C, C++, Java) as well as in mechanical design and construction are required. Preference will be given to candidates with hands-on experience in operating or supporting user facilities. The evaluation will be based on technical qualifications. Your interpersonal and networking skills are excellent and demonstrated by your ability to establish effective relationships and networks inside and outside the organization. You are genuinely interested in teamwork and recognise the value of consulting others in order to succeed. Sharing your expertise as well as continuously developing yourself professionally will be a key success factor. A development project such as this requires the ability to adapt and cope with changing circumstances and as working in an international environment will challenge your ability to handle cultural diversity, it is important that you have successfully managed this in previous employments. Experience of working in an international environment is essential and we expect you to be fluent in written and spoken English.

What ESS can offer 
At ESS we offer people with talent and passion a unique opportunity to be involved in the development and building of a world leading facility for materials research. Besides attractive employment and relocation conditions, the flexibility to balance work life with private life and good opportunities to further enhance your skills; you will also enjoy being part of an organisational culture that promotes and supports internal career growth. We pride ourselves in having successful collaboration across different functions, and as the facility continues to grow we will keep nurturing the international and vibrant environment welcoming people from all across the world.

Duration & Location
The position is permanent with six months initial probationary period. Your work place will be situated in Lund, Sweden.

Start date
The position is to be filled as soon as possible. 

Application & Contact
Please provide your curriculum vitae and covering letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. It is a requirement of our application process that the names and contact details (e-mail address and phone number) of three references be provided. 

The deadline for applications is 10 January 2014. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website. 

For further information regarding the position, please contact Arno Hiess, arno.hiess[at]esss.se. For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Linda Sima, linda.sima[at]esss.se. We look forward to receiving your application.