Postdoctoral position in Neutron and X-ray Reflectometry with ESS

Description of the workplace

This project is a collaboration between Prof Karen Edler (Lund University), Dr Tom Arnold (ESS), and Dr Hanna Wacklin-Knecht (ESS).

The Edler research group in the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) aims to understand self-organisation in a range of materials, principally using scattering techniques.

Subject description

This project is part of the Swedish in-kind contribution to ESS. The postdoctoral researcher at Lund University, seconded to ESS, will work on neutron and X-ray reflectometry from liquid surfaces and interfaces. They will lead the ongoing commissioning and support of a laboratory X-ray reflectometer for characterization of solid and liquid interfaces and will have the opportunity to contribute to commissioning tasks on the neutron reflectometer FREIA. The postdoc will also take direct responsibility for a research project involving neutron and X-ray reflectometry studies of polymer-lipid interactions.

Polymer-stabilized lipid nanodiscs are a recently developed system for extracting membrane proteins from cell membranes and stabilizing them in solution, in the presence of the native lipids that are extracted alongside the proteins. A range of different polymers are used but the protein extraction mechanism is not well understood. The interaction of nanodiscs with interfaces, e.g. to transfer membrane proteins from discs into supported membranes to make aligned protein arrays for biosensor development, also remains to be studied in detail. This project will optimize the experimental workflow to characterize lipid nanodiscs for membrane-protein studies and develop new knowledge about how polymer-stabilised nanodiscs can be self-assembled on surfaces. Pre-characterisation of such samples at liquid and solid interfaces using the new X-ray reflectometer is a pre-requisite for successful neutron experiments at ESS.

Measurements made at lipid monolayers will be complemented by bulk solution studies using fluorescence, SAXS and SANS measurements of polymers interacting with lipid vesicles. Other techniques such as DLS, SAXS, surface pressure, QCM-D and optical ellipsometry will provide additional information for beamtime applications and sample pre-screening.

We will initially carry out relevant NR and SANS experiments at ISIS for this project, but to also apply to ESS as soon as ESTIA (and Loki) are available for early science in 2028.

Work duties

The primary duty of the successful candidate will be to commission the X-ray reflectometer as an off-line instrument for sample characterisation at ESS. They will also execute experimental research as outlined above.

The main duties involved in this post-doctoral posistion are to:

• lead the commissioning of an X-ray reflectometer for characterization of solid and liquid interfaces at ESS
• carry out research on polymer-lipid nanodisc systems using reflectometry and small-angle scattering
• participate in the commissioning of the FREIA neutron reflectometer at ESS

Additional tasks include:

• Training of other potential users on the X-ray reflectometer
• Co-supervision of degree projects and doctoral students

It is expected that ca. 60% of the work will be carried out on ESS premises, and that travel to European neutron/X-ray facilities for experiments will be required.

Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. At ESS the position will include extensive training in neutron and X-ray reflectometry techniques, instrumentation and data-analysis.

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 before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Strong expertise in X-ray scattering techniques
• Experience in using and maintaining complex X-ray equipment
• Strong documented research experience of experimental or theoretical studies within the areas of (bio)physics, physical chemistry or equivalent

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 this post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Expertise in X-ray scattering techniques
• Expertise in operating and maintaining complex X-ray equipment
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Hands-on experience with research within polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, lipid-based biophysical chemistry or equivalent.
• Experienced in theoretical or experimental methodologies for investigating  molecular self-assembly at surfaces or in bulk solutions.

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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The position is available to start from the end of July 2026 and will ideally start soon after that, but start date is flexible and will also depend on any requirement to obtain a work permit, if needed, to work in Sweden. 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 (including list of publications)
• a brief general description of past research, a motivation of why you wish to take a postdoctoral position at ESS and how this matches your own research interests and scientific background (no more than two pages).
• a degree certificate or equivalent
• any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts etc.)
• contact information for at least two references.

Welcome to apply!