Arbetsbeskrivning

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. Powered by the world’s most advanced linear proton accelerator, ESS will enable cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, health, and the environment for decades to come.

Join us in shaping the future of science - from the ground up.

About the role:

ESS is entering a new era. We are transitioning from construction to operations, and our Detector Group (DetG) is central to this evolution. We are now looking for an experienced and people-focused scientist or engineer to lead our Technical Section within the Detector Group.

In this leadership role, you’ll be responsible for supporting the growth, performance, and wellbeing of a team of detector engineers and technicians. You will act as a bridge between DetG Technical Section members and senior group leadership, helping shape strategy while ensuring that individual voices are heard and supported. The role itself is split into a 40% management position with a 60% detector engineering/scientific responsibility.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will also remain technically active, contributing directly to detector R&D projects that match your expertise. You’ll play a visible role in the development of neutron detection systems – supporting everything from early-stage design through to integration, commissioning, and scientific use.

What you’ll do:

• Lead, manage, and mentor the Technical Section of the Detector Group.
• Provide career guidance and development support to section members.
• Represent the Technical Section in strategic and operational discussions with senior DetG leadership.
• Contribute technically to ongoing and future detector development initiatives.
• Present technical work at internal reviews, external conferences, and in publications.
• Ensure compliance with safety practices, quality standards, and engineering documentation protocols.

This is a permanent position and is based at the ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden.

About you:

To thrive in this role, we need an experienced scientist or engineer with a strong technical background and a genuine interest in people leadership. You enjoy working at the intersection of advanced detector development, collaboration, and team management, and you are motivated by helping both individuals and organisations succeed.

With an advanced education in physics, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience) and 8 – 10 years of highly relevant experience, you are accustomed to applying highly specialised knowledge to solve complex technical challenges – ideally within neutron detector development. Experience leading detector R&D projects, particularly those involving the ESS detector community, is considered a strong advantage.

At this level, you must be comfortable working independently and providing significant technical and functional guidance to the wider ESS community. You need to have experience managing large technical projects, systems, or processes with limited oversight, and the confidence to coach, delegate, and review the work of experienced engineers and scientists, as well as support the development of more junior colleagues.

As a natural collaborator, you enjoy working with a broad range of stakeholders. This includes close interaction with other ESS groups, external partners, sub-contractors, and peers at universities and research facilities. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively – whether in technical discussions, strategic forums, or day-to-day people management – is essential.

As a leader, you are approachable, respectful, and inclusive. You make a conscious effort to see and support individuals, value perspectives different from your own, and are committed to fostering a positive, safe, and productive working environment.

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

To apply:

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.

The last day for receiving application is Friday the 29th of May - so submit your application as soon as you can. Please quote the job reference number ESD-78687 in your application.

For more information regarding this position or the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker on [email protected]. For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on mailto:erusha. [email protected] or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:[email protected] 

We look forward to receiving your application soon!