Post-doctoral fellow in neutron surface scattering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, LINXS, is an advanced study institute whose mission is to promote science and education focusing on the use of neutrons and x-rays, to attract world-leading scientists for short- and long-term focused research visits and to create international networks.

Subject description
The understanding of interfacial properties of materials, as well as interfacial processes in terms of structural, morphological and compositional changes, is of crucial importance in many scientific fields that include chemistry, physics, biology and engineering. In the evaluation of capability gaps in the initial instrument suite, the European Spallation Source (ESS) has identified a dedicated surface scattering beamline as a high priority as one of the next instruments (16-22). In Sweden, a broad consortium, building on the strength in surface and interface science, has formed to push for a Swedish led project to design and construct such an instrument at ESS. In this project we will develop a conceptual and technical design for the world leading neutron surface scattering beamline and benchmark it against existing instruments. This project will deliver a competitive instrument proposal for a dedicated grazing-incidence small-angle scattering (GISANS) beamline, named SAGA. The design of the instrument is directly motivated by the science and business case developed in coordination with the international community and will take full advantage of the brilliance of ESS. The output of the project will be the instrument proposal for the next ESS call and a detailed plan for the implementation. 

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. The main research task is to defining the key instrument parameters of SAGA. This includes the neutron delivery system, sample stage and detector system as well as the modes of operation and will be done together with the project partners. The design should take benefit of novel optical components, new technologies and modes of operation. The concept will be refined and simulated using the Monte-Carlo simulation package McStas, and then benchmarked against existing instrumentation. The postdoctoral fellow will focus on instrument design with particular emphasis on technology developments, which are considered the key for success of the instrument proposal. Particular emphasis will be on engaging the community to build, operate and use GISANS instrumentation. The project will be supported by engineering resources and experiments at partner facilities.

Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The postdoctoral position will be placed at Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science (LINXS), but the work involves close connections to project partners at Swedish universities and institutes with activities in neutron surface scattering as well as with the European Spallation Source, ESS. 

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Translation of the scientific requirements into technical specifications.
• Evaluating the concept of the instrument with the help of ray tracing simulations.
• Perform feasibility studies of novel technical developments and innovative optics.
• Detailed simulations of the expected performance of the beamline.
• Detailed proof-of-concept demonstrations, including prototype testing, for new technical developments.
• Engaging with the SAGA national and international partners.
• Perform outreach activities for the project to the wider public.

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. Based on merits and other circumstances, the doctoral degree may have been completed earlier. The assessment of the applications will only be based on the qualifications of the candidate according to the work duties.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in neutron and/or synchrotron x-ray scattering.
• Skills in computer modelling and programming e.g. with McStas and with Python or other high level languages.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as a 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 appointment to a postdoctoral position, the following shall form the essential assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Independent thinking and ability to drive own research in the field
• Good networking abilities.

Additional beneficial assessment criteria:

• Experience with neutron and/or x-ray instrument design and operation.
• Previous experience in GISANS experiments
• Experience with surface scattering techniques. Good communication skills.
• Experience in ray tracing simulations.
• Experience with performance tests and benchmarking of instrumentation.
• Experience of independent analysis of scattering data.
• Experience in advanced development or construction instrument projects.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the consortium and how they stand to contribute to the future development of the SAGA project.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 3 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the recently concluded 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 valid from 1 of February 2022. 

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.