Postdoctoral position in Solid Mechanics with focus on the neutron imaging beamline at ESS - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

You will be placed in the division of Solid Mechanics and work in close collaboration with the department for neutron instruments at ESS.

The division of Solid Mechanics was the first department to be established at the Faculty of Engineering and is today part of the department of Construction Sciences. The research at the division is focused on constitutive mechanics, numerical methods, microstructural mechanics, structure optimization and experimental methods. The division has a strong activity in X-ray and neutron methods for materials research. Today, the division of Solid Mechanics consists of approximately 25 employees, of which approximately 15 are doctoral students. The division operates in an international environment and collaborates with research organizations and companies both nationally and internationally.

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), a multidisciplinary research facility based on the world's most powerful neutron source. ESS is under construction on the outskirts of Lund and will provide unique opportunities to both greatly surpass and complement today's leading neutron sources, enabling new opportunities for researchers across the spectrum of scientific discovery.

Project description

The project is a collaboration between the division of Solid Mechanics at Lund University and the division for neutron instruments at ESS. The position involves developing and supporting research activities related to the imaging instrument, ODIN, at ESS, including participation in the instrument development and commissioning, as well as carrying out own research involving neutron tomography, combined neutron-X-ray tomography and combined imaging and diffraction.

ODIN will be one of the first instruments to come online after Beam on Target (BoT), currently scheduled for May 2025, and will be one of the first instruments to enter the user program after an estimated 18 months from BoT.

Work duties

The main initial task will be to support the completion of the ODIN beamline design and installation before assisting with licensing and 'cold commissioning'. You will then focus on performing commissioning experiments on ODIN, first with X-rays (using a laboratory tube source mounted at the beamline) and then with neutrons under "Hot Commissioning" to fully characterize the performance of the instrument and ensure successful functionality for the user program. It is also expected that you will participate in experiments at other international neutron facilities to test relevant equipment and data analysis routines as well as for your own or collaborative research.

You will have a close collaboration with the ODIN instrument team and others at ESS as well as with researchers at the division of Solid Mechanics. It is expected that you will develop your own research in collaboration with the project partners involving neutron scattering/imaging techniques, this includes both research that is curiosity driven as well as that aimed at developing ODIN's capabilities.

Participation in the activities of the division of Solid Mechanics is encouraged, including research and teaching, e.g. supervision at basic level, advanced level and postgraduate level. Your research is expected to be adapted to the current neutron-based research at the division, e.g. multiscale hydro-mechanics of geomaterials or diffractive neutron imaging. The duties also include active participation to strengthen and develop external collaborations, including involvement in the international neutron imaging community, e.g. through presentations at conferences/workshops.

The tasks as a postdoctoral researcher mainly include conducting research. (Teaching can also be part of the duties, but no more than one-fifth of the working time.) Within the framework of the employment, there is the opportunity for three weeks of university-pedagogical training. The purpose of the employment is to develop one's independence as a researcher and to create conditions for further qualifications.

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Other requirements:

• A very good knowledge of English, in speech and writing.
• Significant experience in using large-scale neutron research facilities, including planning. running and analyzing neutron scattering/imaging experiments.
• The ability to work both independently and in teams with other researchers and research groups.
• Very good communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience in programming (python, C++ or similar).

Assessment criteria 

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.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

The following aspects will be considered as additional merits:

• Experience in processing neutron scattering/imaging data.
• Experience in operation and development of neutron instrumentation and instrument control.
• Experience in operation and development of in-situ experiments with neutron scattering/imaging.
• Knowledge of hydromechanics of geomaterials.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. More specifically, you will be part of a dynamic, international team in the division of Solid Mechanics. You will also be part of the strong international research environment at ESS and play a key role in developing ODIN and neutron imaging techniques at ESS.

 Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 3 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”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

We welcome your application!