Instrument Data Scientist for reflectometry

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a “Big Science” project that aims to be the most powerful neutron source in the world when it is fully operational in 2027. It will enable scientists to study the structure and behavior of matter at the atomic level, opening new possibilities for research and innovation in material science.

ESS invites applications for an Instrument Data Scientist position at the Data Management and Software Centre (DMSC) in Copenhagen, Denmark. The DMSC is tasked with the mission of assisting users of ESS with all their scientific computing needs. This can range from data reduction to experiment control, and from data analysis to computing hardware.

About the role

As an instrument data scientist for neutron reflectometry at the ESS you will act as an interface between DMSC and the instrument team for reflectometry.

The role will focus on the following tasks:

• Project/product managing the deliverables from DMSC to the instrument team, allowing the maximum scientific impact to be generated from the instruments;
• Working with your colleagues and development teams at DMSC and the instrument team to provide the best user experience;
• Co-designing and co-developing data reduction, processing, and analysis software with your colleagues at DMSC using requirements from users and the instrument team;
• Providing direct support during experiments to users with analysis of their data, once the instruments have entered the ESS user program;
• Advancing neutron reflectometry with cutting edge data science and data analysis techniques.

The role will initially focus on ensuring that scientific user software is ready for operation of the instruments. The instrument data scientist will therefore play a central role during commissioning of the instruments, with duties in instrument control and data reduction. Part of this will require visits to the AMOR beamline at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, where the software you develop can be tested before the ESS instruments are fully operational.

The candidate will report to the Head of DMSC in Copenhagen, but is also expected to be an active member of the instrument team at ESS located in Lund, Sweden. For this reason, the instrument data scientist is expected to spend time in Lund on a weekly basis.

The instrument data scientist is expected to maintain or develop an active research profile in neutron reflectometry, alongside their other duties. Time and support for this activity is allocated as part of the role.

About you

Applicants should hold at least a PhD degree, or have similar qualifications, in physics, chemistry, materials science, computer sciences, or a similar area. Good computer/programming skills are required. The main part of the code is written in Python, hence knowledge of Python or experience of a similar language, combined with a willingness to learn Python, is required.

Excellent knowledge of English, writing and speaking, is required.

Many backgrounds can be envisioned for this position, but in particular it is desirable for the candidate to have experience in any of the following:

• Development or maintenance of instrumentation at a neutron source or similar large scale facility;
• Providing user support as part of a user program at a large scale facility;
• Modelling, simulation, or analysis of neutron or x-ray data;
• Knowledge of micro-magnetics simulations;
• Experimental or computational materials science;
• Project management and/or agile development methodologies;
• Product management, including requirement gathering and user testing;
• Development of scientific software;
• Contributions to larger free and open source software (FOSS) projects;
• Modern software development practices (e.g., continuous integration, test driven development, etc).

A solid background in neutron reflectometry is strong desired, but not a necessity for applications.

Pragmatism, flexibility and a collaborative mindset are essential traits for this position, as well as enthusiasm to drive projects and processes.

Our work environment is exciting and fast moving, with a strongly international team of highly skilled personnel with diverse backgrounds. We welcome similarly minded individuals with a passion to drive forwards science through software.

What can we offer?

ESS can offer you passionate colleagues, a vibrant melting pot of diversity, and a challenging and high paced work environment where our employees take great pride in designing and building a world leading facility for materials research.

Benefits include:

• 25+5 days of annual leave as well as more than 5 days of public holidays and company days off;
• Flexible working arrangements and a focus on work life balance;
• An attractive pension program;
• Where applicable, relocation support and allowances may also be available.

Duration and location

The position is permanent with three months initial probationary period, and is to be filled as soon as practically possible.

Your workplace will be situated in Copenhagen, Denmark, but you will be expected to travel to Lund, Sweden on a weekly basis. For applicants not already living in Denmark, you can find more information here: https://europeanspallationsource.se/living-working-scandinavia/denmark.

How to apply

Please provide your CV and cover letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website. The last day to apply is 16 October, 2023.

For further information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/page/hiring-process or contact Recruitment Officer Åsa Ander, asa.ander@ess.eu.

For further information regarding the position, please contact the Hiring Manager Thomas Holm Rod, at thomas.holmrod@ess.eu.

We look forward to receiving your application soon!