Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The European Spallation Source, ESS, a partnership of European countries, is hiring motivated and inspired people to plan, design, and construct the world’s most powerful neutron source. We seek ambitious, talented people in different fields who are excited about playing a part in the future of science in Europe.

ESS can offer a variety of things, such as passionate and international colleagues, a vibrant melting pot of diversity, and a challenging, exciting and high paced work environment. We value and need expertise, innovative minds and great ways of leading and interacting with people from all over the world.

Come and change the world with us!

ESS is now looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on studying the dynamics of cyanobacterial membranes. The postdoc will be part of the Sample Handling and User Laboratory Facilities Group SULF organised within the Science Directorate. SULF is responsible for supporting future neutron scattering users with life-science and chemistry labs for sample preparation, conditioning and characterization.

Job description

The researcher will join a Human Frontier Science Program funded study investigating the cellular role of diesel-like hydrocarbons in cyanobacteria and algae. Release of cyanobacterial hydrocarbons into the environment is vast (Lea-Smith et al, PNAS, 2015) and these compounds are essential for optimal cell size, division and growth (Lea-Smith et al, Plant Physiology, 2016). However, the exact cellular role of these hydrocarbons is unknown. The postdoctoral research fellow will join an international collaboration with teams from Imperial College London, UK, University of East Anglia, UK and University of Auckland, New Zealand.

The candidate will be responsible for preparing samples of cyanobacterial membranes and characterising them using laboratory equipment. The candidate will apply for neutron scattering beamtime and lead the neutron spin-echo (NSE) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments at neutron scattering facilities such as ILL, SNS or ISIS to study the membrane fluctuations. The candidate will analyse the neutron data and work with the simulation group on modelling the data.

Qualifications:

The following qualifications is required: 


• PhD obtained within the last 6 years (or soon to be obtained) in chemistry, physics or related field
• Experience in characterisation of materials and working in a chemical laboratory

We think that the successful candidate also has one or more of the following experiences: 


• Experience of working with membranes
• Experience of working in a cross-disciplinary team
• Experience of neutron or X-ray scattering at a large scale facility is an advantage, especially SANS/SAXS and NSE

The candidate should feel comfortable working in a chemical laboratory. Excellent oral and written English skills are a prerequisite. We truly believe that you are well-organised and have a proactive and self-motivated approach to your work. 

The position is funded by the Human Frontiers Science Program (HFSP) grant. It is an international collaboration with teams from also the UK and New Zealand. The position will involve travel, both to beamtime and to meetings.  

Duration & Location
The position is a fixed term position of 2 years. 

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 in English by clicking on “apply” and follow the instructions. Please note that we only accept applications via the ESS website.

The deadline for applications is 31st March 2020. 

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process. 

For further information regarding the position, please contact the mentor for this position, Scientist for Sample and User Facilities, Melissa Sharp, melissa.sharp[at]ess.eu.

For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Officer, Tina Nilsson, tina.nilsson[at]ess.eu.

For trade union information please contact Unionen / Conny Wendt at +46 46 888 34 63 

or SACO / Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers/ Riccardo Bevilacqua at +46 46 888 32 28.

 

We look forward to receiving your application!