Support Scientist for High Pressure Research

The Science Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, invites applications for a Support Scientist for High Pressure Research.

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 the innovative support facilities for high pressure research at ESS, including method development of high pressures for gases, liquids and solids and implementing existing technologies for a user facility. Besides acquiring in-house technical capability, collaboration with the expert community is essential. You will be required to define and implement the long-term strategy for the ESS high pressure platform, but will also be involved in the sample environment development for high pressures and other (extreme) conditions. You are expected to engage in research in collaboration with ESS scientists and other partners in order to strengthen ESS competence in a research area that has been identified as one of the science drivers for ESS. You will be part of the ESS Science Directorate but also gain professional experience at other neutron facilities and research teams. 
Independent research is an integral part of the support scientist’s duties. The selected candidate will be invited to join in an existing research project on high pressure research. A candidate with significant previous post-doctoral experience will also be given the opportunity to develop their own research project, preferably at operating neutron research centres. Synergies with the neighbouring MAX-IV synchrotron as well as strong links with universities will be encouraged. ESS will support and encourage the candidate to take up an adjunct position at a university in an ESS partner country, in order to facilitate their own research.

Qualifications
You have a PhD in one of the physical sciences and experience in high pressure research using scattering techniques, a proactive approach, ability to work both independently and in a team environment, and a keen interest in both setting up scientific support laboratories and in experimental research. Preference will be given to candidates with a recognized international profile in a research area relevant to neutron research under extreme conditions, as well as hands-on experience in operating or supporting user facilities. The evaluation will be based on scientific and 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. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website.
The deadline for applications is 23 November 2013.

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.