The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. 

ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are now looking to add an entry-level Detector Scientist for Beam Monitors to our Detector Group. As our next Beam Monitor Detector Scientist, you’ll be part of ESS's largest and most critical projects, and you'll play a pivotal role in delivering state-of-the-art neutron beam monitors for the cutting-edge ESS beam lines.

Working alongside world-class scientists, engineers, and technicians, you'll be at the forefront of in-house development and construction of detector systems. This interesting and unique role gives you the opportunity to develop and deploy novel neutron beam monitors and other detectors, participate in experimental campaigns to evaluate their performance, perform data processing and analysis, and conduct detector simulations. You'll also work on detector system integration, where you'll collaborate closely with engineers and technicians to ensure seamless integration. Additionally, you'll provide support during the installation, commissioning, and operation phases, ensuring the smooth functioning of the detector systems. This multifaceted role combines hands-on development, experimental work, data analysis, and system integration, offering a dynamic and challenging environment for you to thrive.

The position is for a fixed-term period of three (3) years and is based at the ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden, with frequent travels to other collaborating partners and neutron science centres for testing and evaluating beam monitors.

Our ideal candidate for this role will hold a PhD in physics or engineering and can demonstrate a strong academic background in the field. Your expertise should encompass detector instrumentation and detector R&D, particularly in gaseous detector technologies, although proficiency in other detector technologies will also be considered. While experience in neutron scattering and neutron detector technologies is advantageous, it is not mandatory. However, you should possess the hands-on practical skills necessary to prepare experimental setups for detector performance evaluation (including beam tests).

Proficiency in data analysis and programming is essential, with a preference for experience in Python and C/C++. Additionally, familiarity with detector simulation software such as GEANT4, GARFIELD++, FLUKA, etc., is highly desirable. Prior experience with finite element method software such as COMSOL or ANSYS is advantageous, but not a strict necessity.

The working language of ESS is English, and we need someone who can start as soon as possible.

Aside from the chance to work on a truly unique big science project, you can also expect: