The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a partnership organization of 13 European member countries located in the city of Lund, Sweden.


We are currently recruiting for the position of Instrument Scientist for MAGiC.
This is a critical role that exists within the Instrument Scientists Group of the Neutron Scattering Systems (NSS) Division.
Supported by our in-kind partner, the Laboratoire Léon Brillouin (LLB, France), you will be tasked to deliver the MAGiC instrument to hot commissioning and prepare the instrument for user operations.
We are seeking an experienced scientist in the field of polarized neutron diffraction interested in developing instrumentation and methodologies to study complex magnetic structures.
Further, your responsibilities and qualifications will include:

Your role:

• Working with the MAGiC Lead Engineer and our in-kind lead partner the Laboratoire Léon Brillouin (LLB, France), deliver the MAGiC instrument to hot commissioning, plan and execute the hot commissioning of the Instrument, and prepare the instrument for user operations
• Working with the Science directorate, our partner LLB, and the user community to prepare “First Science” experiments during the initial operation phase of ESS.
• Support the user programme at ESS by performing local contacting duties and collaborative research
• Provide expertise in the scientific application of polarized neutron diffraction on magnetic materials (single crystals and powders)
• Develop close familiarity with the MAGIC instrument requirements and existing design work
• Working with the MAGiC lead engineer and LLB scientist, finalise the design of the MAGiC instrument in line with scientific requirements.
• Working with the MAGiC lead engineer, and our in-kind partner LLB, plan and execute the MAGiC installation and cold commissioning.

Your responsibilities:

• Provide scientific guidance and support to work package team.
• Provide an interface between ESS Technical Groups and In-Kind partner.
• Take part in the testing of components which will require occasional travel.
• Manage and contribute to installation and cold commissioning of the Instrument
• Operate the instrument as part of the ESS user programme.
• Provide requirements to ensure the integration of the scientific capabilities of the instrument software, sample environment and support labs.
• Conduct your own research in line with the science case and seek research funding from national and international funding bodies as principle investigator.

Required qualifications

• PhD in the physical sciences with research interest and publication record aligned with the areas of research to be supported by MAGiC.
• Experience and technical interest in instrumentation and polarized neutron diffraction, preferably using time-of-flight.
• Ability to work in a team with people of a variety of disciplines in an international collaboration.
• Excellent oral and written English skills.
• Flexibility to travel.
The project requires occasional travel between ESS and LLB.

Additional desirable qualifications and experience:

• Knowledge of neutron scattering data treatment and modeling at a level sufficient to guide the development of instrument specific software.
• Programming experience in Python
• Experience in neutron optics and Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations
• Hands-on experience in sample preparation for reflectometry-related science

Duration & Location

The position is a permanent, full-time position located in Lund, Sweden.

Application & Contact

Please provide your CV in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions.

The position will be open until filled.


For further information please contact Andrew Jackson, Andrew.jackson@ess.eu.

For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Recruitment Partner, Kate Quaak, kathryn.quaak@ess.eu.

For trade union information please contact Unionen / Conny Wendt at +46 72 179 24 63 or SACO / Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers/ Yngve Levinson at +46 72 179 21 65



We look forward to receiving your application!