Postdoc for the neutron spectrometer BIFROST at ESS

The Niels Bohr Institute is strongly involved in the construction of the European Spallation Source; one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The 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 having the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are seeking to appoint a Post doc (Instrument Scientist) at the BIFROST instrument, an extreme environment cold spectrometer. You will join the Spectroscopy Division of ESS.

The position will be time limited to three years at the Niels Bohr Institute. There may be future possibilities for a permanent contract at ESS, in a tenure-track fashion, while maintaining the connection to the Niels Bohr Institute.

Your tasks will include:

• Ensure the successful completion of the BIFROST instrument project in close collaboration with the BIFROST scientist, instrument associate, and lead engineer.
• Focus on the installation of sample environment, detector capabilities and data curation and analysis.
• Contribute to the development of relevant ESS support facilities and infrastructure.
• Conduct scientific/technical research and author scientific/technical publications.
• Establish and maintain constructive contacts with other universities and other relevant actors.
• Engage with the scientific community.
• Take part in peer review of scientific publications, grant proposals, research, and facilities.
• Represent the Niels Bohr Institute and ESS at relevant conferences and workshops.
• Supervise post docs and students and participate in teaching activities at the Niels Bohr Institute.

Your place of work will be the European Spallation Source in Lund with at least 4/5 presence on site.

About you:

To thrive with us in the Spectroscopy Division, you need to be a self-motivated person who is keen to work at instrument in order to get it ready for first neutrons. You should be a ‘hands-on’ person who is open to learn new things along the way. We require a PhD in physical, chemical or materials sciences with research interests and a publication record aligned with the science case of BIFROST. Experience and technical interest in instrumentation and spectroscopy is a prerequisite for this role. Advantageous prior experience and knowledge include working with neutron scattering instrumentation, data treatment and modelling at a level sufficient to guide the development of instrument specific software, (Python) programming experience, and experience with neutron optics and Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations.

We need someone who is comfortable not only following procedures, but also creating them. We attach great importance to personality and attitude, so we're looking for a real team player: Someone who is sociable, has excellent communication skills, who likes to collaborate with different people and who is committed to helping the ESS project to realise its full potential. We need a hands-on self-starter who is able to work in a structured, orderly, responsible and – most importantly – safe way.

The working language of both the Niels Bohr Institute and ESS is English.

What can we offer?

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

An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.

Full relocation support if not already based in Denmark/Sweden.

A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.

A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.

Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.

Flexible working arrangements and a real work-life balance.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.



Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to

Prof. Kim Lefmann; [email protected] .

Prof. Pascale Deen; [email protected]

Senior Scientist Rasmus Toft-Petersen; [email protected]

The position is open from 1st May 2025, with negotiable starting date.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans, including scientific and technical visions for the BIFROST spectrometer
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 30th January 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held during the week 9.