Research Engineer for the SoftiMAX beamline

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is regularly ranked as one of the world’s top 100 higher education institutions. The University has 41 000 students and 7 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

MAX IV Laboratory has operated successfully for more than 30 years and runs the new MAX IV synchrotron facility in Lund. Fully developed it will receive more than 2 000 scientists annually, from Sweden and the rest of the world. They will do research in areas such as materials science, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology. 200 people are currently employed at the MAX IV Laboratory.
MAX IV, inaugurated June 2016, is the largest and most ambitious Swedish investment in national research infrastructure and the brightest source of X-rays worldwide. MAX IV Laboratory is hosted by Lund University.



SoftiMAX is a soft x-ray beamline for coherent soft x-ray microscopy and imaging at the 3 GeV ring of the MAX IV Laboratory.

It consists of 2 branches, one for Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy & Ptychography and the other for 'Coherent X-ray Imaging' techniques (eg., Holography) and Resonant Scattering. Microscopy with (coherent) X-rays will enable nm-resolution imaging through fluorescence, absorption, and coherent diffraction contrast, in diverse fields ranging from nanoscience and magnetism to environmental and life science.

The designs of both experimental stations have therefore to comply with high demands on flexibility and mechanical stability as well as consider precision, speed and resolution of the positioning stages and accommodate various detectors.

In order to develop and establish internal expertise in soft x-ray microscopy techniques at SoftiMAX, and more generally at MAX IV, we are now seeking to hire a research engineer with a background and strong interest in (soft) x-ray synchrotron radiation-based techniques and instrumentation, with a focus on x-ray imaging and microscopy development.

Tasks

- Contribute to the design, the purchase and assembly of the two endstations in close collaboration with the beamline staff, external experts, and the general organization for beamline buildup at MAX IV Laboratory. This involves areas such as mechanical design, electrical design, specification work for procurement, software development or its specification, and detector/stage calibration.  
- Participate in the installation and commissioning of the beamline and its endstations.
- Develop strategies for diagnostics and control of the set-up’s stability and precision, with the support of the beamline staff and other groups at MAX IV.
- Share responsibility for operation, maintenance and further development of the endstations, techniques and associated equipment, together with the team of scientists and engineers that will be built up around SoftiMAX and similar beamlines.
- Share responsibility for the support of external users during operation Note: The nature of the participation in user support will depend on the interests and the profile of the successful candidate. 



Qualifications

The successful candidate must have the following qualifications:

- A PhD in natural sciences, a mechanical engineering degree or a similar degree in subjects of relevance for SoftiMAX.
- Experience in planning, design/construction/purchase, operation and/or maintenance of complex scientific equipment is mandatory, in particular such equipment that is of relevance to the SoftiMAX endstations. This includes experience in, eg., mechanical design, electrical design and/or experience with (soft) x-ray detectors. 
- Demonstrated knowledge of (soft) x-ray instrumentation and associated techniques, preferably those employed at SoftiMAX.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, a good command of English as well as communication and team-working skills, are further requests.

The following qualifications are considered a merit:

- Experience in micro- and nano-positioning technology (eg. piezos).
- Experience in vacuum and cryogenics.
- Experience in development of software for instrumentation control. 
- Experience of user support at synchrotron beam lines or similar user-oriented research facility.
- Experience in the use of experimental techniques relevant to SoftiMAX. 

Depending on the qualifications of the candidate the position can initally be limited to 2 years.    







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Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.