Instrument Scientist DREAM

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. It will provide researchers with unique opportunities to explore the structure of materials at the atomic level. Neutron scattering at ESS will address critical questions in physics, chemistry, geology, materials science and life science.

We are now looking for an Instrument Scientist for the DREAM powder diffractometer. The position is with the Diffraction & Imaging Division.

The Diffraction & Imaging Division consists of the scientific staff that are leading the instrument construction projects and the staff that will eventually execute the day-to-day operations of six neutron instruments. The upcoming responsibilities of the division are

• Finalize the installation and commissioning of all instruments in the division
• Deliver state-of-the-art scientific capabilities for internal and external users to enable the wider science community to advance science and technology
• Deliver scientific results from the neutron instruments in collaboration with the user community and other divisions in the science directorate
• Plan and implement further developments and upgrades of the instruments
  
  Push the state-of-the‑art capabilities of neutron instrumentation to make maximum benefit from the ESS source.

The DREAM instrument is a neutron powder diffractometer that offers great flexibility for crystal and magnetic structure studies of ordered and disordered materials. The construction of the instrument is completed. The immediate mission is to commission the instrument with neutrons. Commissioning with neutrons is expected to begin in 2027 and continue through 2028, after which the instrument will transition into operation within the ESS user programme.

The instrument scientist will work closely with the core instrument team at ESS, comprising another instrument scientist, an instrument computational scientist, and an instrument operational engineer, and in strong interaction with partner institutions and ESS technical services. The successful candidate must be active in a scientific field of direct relevance to DREAM.

• PhD in experimental studies in the physical sciences relevant to the DREAM scientific programme, preferably in energy or nanoscaled materials.
• Practical experience in neutron powder diffraction
• Working knowledge of the data analysis for diffraction software GSAS-II, TOPAS, Full Prof, Jana
  2006, PDFgui
• Evidence of an independent research profile in relevant science areas supported by a publication record
• Ability to work collaboratively and individually
• Good interpersonal communication and presentation skills, and the ability to interact effectively with staff and users at all levels.
• Flexibility to requests to work out-of-hours to support users
• Responsible attitude to personal safety and the safety of others
• Willingness to international travel
• Experience with user operation at a large-scale neutron facility
• Experience with time‑of‑flight neutron powder diffraction
• Experience with pair‑distribution function (PDF) measurements
• Practical experience in operating complex sample environments relating to neutron powder diffraction.

Experience of working in an international environment is preferred and excellent oral and written English skills are prerequisites. Our work environment is characterised by fast growth, a fast pace of work, and an international atmosphere with highly skilled personnel. You must therefore enjoy the diversity of such an environment and have a personality suited for the challenges it presents. Our work environment is exciting and forward thinking and relies heavily on personal initiative.