Instrument Scientist for ODIN Instrument, Diffraction & Imaging Division

Reference number ESD-74103

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The Science Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) invites applications for an instrument scientist for the ODIN imaging instrument.

Description of Division
The Diffraction and Imaging Division houses the instrument scientists and post-docs, responsible for designing, constructing and then operating the DREAM, MAGiC, BEER, HEIMDAL, ODIN and TBL instruments of the ESS. There are currently 15 instruments under construction for ESS, of which 5, including ODIN, will be commissioned first.

Description Main Responsibilities
The current position is for an Instrument Scientist for ODIN, a versatile time-of-flight neutron imaging instrument designed to exploit the long-pulse source at ESS for wavelength-resolved, multimodal, and in-situ time-of-flight neutron imaging. ODIN will enable novel studies across materials science, engineering, energy technologies, and geoscience through techniques such as wavelength-resolved neutron radiography/tomography, dark-field imaging and polarized imaging.

The successful candidate will work closely with detector experts, data/software developers, and scientific collaborators to support final installation, commissioning, and early scientific operations of ODIN. The role also includes developing scientific applications of time-of-flight neutron imaging and supporting ESS users in the planning and execution of experiments.

The position provides the opportunity to pursue independent research within the field of neutron imaging and to develop projects that align with ODIN’s scientific mission. Collaboration with the neighbouring MAX IV synchrotron and universities in ESS member countries is strongly encouraged. ESS will support and encourage the candidate to take up an adjunct university position to facilitate their research and supervision of students.

Qualifications
Essential qualifications and experience:

• PhD in physics, materials science, engineering, geoscience, or a related field relevant to neutron imaging.
• Extensive practical experience with neutron imaging or scattering instrumentation, ideally including time-of-flight methods.
• Proven hands-on experience in experimental work with neutron or X-ray imaging, including data acquisition, sample environments, or detector systems.
• Knowledge of data reduction, analysis and visualization workflows for imaging data (e.g. Python, ImageJ, Dragonfly, or equivalent frameworks).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent scientific research, supported by a strong publication record.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Responsible attitude toward safety, flexibility in supporting experiments outside normal working hours, and willingness to travel internationally.
• Experience building collaborations, ideally within other ESS member countries.

Desirable experience:

• Programming or scripting skills for data processing (Python, C++, MATLAB).
• Experience with time-of-flight neutron imaging, Bragg-edge analysis, or quantitative wavelength-resolved imaging.
• Experience in in-situ/operando experiments, for example in energy materials, metallurgy, or geological systems.
• Experience commissioning or operating large-scale neutron or X-rays instruments.
• Familiarity with neutron detector systems, in particular scintillator-based camera detectors.
• Familiarity with Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations.
• Previous involvement in user support or scientific operations at a large-scale facility.

Experience working in an international environment is preferred, and excellent oral and written English skills are prerequisites. Our work environment is characterized by rapid growth, a fast pace, and an international atmosphere with highly skilled personnel. You should enjoy such diversity and have a personality suited to the challenges and opportunities it presents. The ESS work environment is forward-thinking and collaborative, relying on personal initiative and teamwork.

What ESS can offer?
ESS can offer you a variety of things, such as passionate colleagues, a vibrant melting pot of diversity, and a challenging and high-paced work environment where our employees take great pride in designing and building a world-leading facility for materials research. If you were to join ESS, you would become an important piece of the puzzle, since all our skilled staff are needed to fulfill the overall mission. We value and need expertise, innovative minds, great ways of leading and interacting with others, and the ability to work with people regardless of culture and background.

Duration & Location
The position is permanent position with a 6-month probationary period and your workplace will be situated in Lund, Sweden.

Application & Contact
Please provide your curriculum vitae and cover letter in English by going to the ESS recruitment web page https://europeanspallationsource.se/careers/vacancies then clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website or ESS intranet. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply through the intranet.

The deadline for applications is December 16th, 2025.

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

For further information regarding the open position, please contact Head of Diffraction & Imaging Division, Mikhail Feygenson, [email protected]

For further information regarding the recruitment process for this position, please contact HR Officer, Janne Erwolter, [email protected].

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

Certain roles require additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process.
For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process in general, please follow this link: Careers | ESS

We have made our media choice regarding recruitments and kindly decline contact with media sellers.

URL to this pagehttps://europeanspallationsource.se/careers/vacancies?rmpage=job&rmjob=1915&rmlang=UK

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