Post doctoral fellow in Polarised Small Angle Neutron Scattering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Lund University is seeking qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellow position in a joint project with the European Spallation Source (ESS). The project focuses on developing innovative science using polarised small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and carrying out polarised neutron instrumentation work for the ESS SANS instruments LoKI and SKADI. In addition, the project also supports polarised 3He based neutron spin filter technological development (the method that will be used at LoKI and SKADI for polarization analysis), for which a candidate is not required to have prior experience and the successful candidate will participate in an ancillary role.

SKADI and LoKI are the two SANS instruments being built at the ESS. SKADI will be the primary instrument for magnetism studies and LoKI focuses on soft matter. Both instruments will have polarisation analysis capabilities.  The advances in polarized neutron instrumentation will be incorporated into the LoKI and SKADI instruments. 

The project is jointly funded by Tillväxtverket and the ESS with in-kind contribution from Lund University.  The postdoctoral fellow will be based in the Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research in the Department of Physics.  The working environment will be interdisciplinary, with applications in multiple scientific areas.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research.  Work duties for the project to carry out will include the following tasks:

Conduct research using polarised small angle neutron scattering, and assist the instrumentation efforts associated with LoKI and SKADI. In conducting research, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to work with supervisors at Lund University and ESS, as well as with a postdoctoral fellow focusing on polarized neutron imaging and a research engineer focusing on the instrumentation development.  The fellow will also work closely with project participants at Uppsala University, TU Delft, Jülich Centre of Neutron Scattering, ISIS Muon and Neutron Source, and Institut Laue-Langevin. Carry out experimental planning, which may include design of samples and using simulation tools. Participate in experiments at neutron facilities around the world. Analyse data and prepare publication of the results. Define instrumental requirements to perform further experiments at LoKI and SKADI. In an ancillary role, participate in polarised 3He technological developmental efforts which may include setting up diagnostic measurements, collecting and analysing data. Some administrative work related to the work duties listed above may need to be carried out.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Has experience in using neutrons as one of the research tools in the candidate’s PhD work.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience with small angle neutron scattering experiments.
• Experience with polarised neutron techniques (not necessarily in SANS work).
• Demonstrated capability to work with scientists from different backgrounds.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.