The Science Directorate at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, invites applications for a Support Scientist for Macromolecular Crystallisation.
Description of directorate/division The Scientific Activities Division (SAD) within the Science Directorate supports the ESS neutron research programme within the science focus areas life sciences and soft condensed matter, physics and chemistry of materials, engineering and geo-sciences as well as neutron technology. SAD also coordinates the interactions with the academic community and industrial users. The ESS PhD programme and various meeting series such as Science Symposia, IKON and ESS S&S are co-organized by SAD. As far as building the ESS is concerned; SAD is responsible for setting up the scientific infrastructure user support laboratories, the sample handling facilities and the user access. Main responsibilities The primary task is to develop the innovative support facilities for structural biology at ESS, including methods development for crystal growth optimisation and implementing existing technologies for a user facility. You will also be involved in the development of instrumentation for macromolecular neutron crystallography and biological deuteration activities. You are expected to engage in research in collaboration with ESS scientists and other partners in order to strengthen ESS competence in a research area that has been identified as one of the science drivers for ESS. You will be part of the ESS Science Directorate but also gain professional experience at other neutron facilities and research teams. In the case of a permanent employment, the successful candidate will be required to define and lead the long-term strategy for the ESS crystallisation platform. Independent research is an integral part of the support scientist’s duties. The selected candidate will be invited to join in an existing research project on macromolecular diffraction. A candidate with significant previous post-doctoral experience in a scientific area relevant to macromolecular diffraction will also be given the opportunity to develop their own research project. Up to half the time of the selected candidate will be devoted to pursuing this research interest, preferably at operating neutron research centres. Synergies with the neighbouring MAX-IV synchrotron as well as strong links with universities will be encouraged. In the case of a permanent appointment, ESS will support and encourage the candidate to take up an adjunct position at a university in an ESS partner country, in order to facilitate their own research. Qualifications You have a PhD in one of the physical sciences and experience in crystal growth and crystallography, a proactive approach, ability to work both independently and in a team environment, and a keen interest in both setting up scientific support laboratories and in experimental research. Preference will be given to candidates with a recognized international profile in a research area relevant to macromolecular crystallisation and crystallography, as well as hands-on experience in operating or supporting user facilities. The evaluation will be based on scientific and technical qualifications. Your interpersonal and networking skills are excellent and demonstrated by your ability to establish effective relationships and networks inside and outside the organization. You are genuinely interested in teamwork and recognise the value of consulting others in order to succeed. Sharing your expertise as well as continuously developing yourself professionally will be a key success factor. A development project such as this requires the ability to adapt and cope with changing circumstances and as working in an international environment will challenge your ability to handle cultural diversity, it is important that you have successfully managed this in previous employments. Experience of working in an international environment is essential and we expect you to be fluent in written and spoken English. What ESS can offer At ESS we offer people with talent and passion a unique opportunity to be involved in the development and building of a world-leading facility for materials research. Besides attractive employment and relocation conditions, the flexibility to balance work life with private life and good opportunities to further enhance your skills, you will also enjoy being part of a company culture that promotes and supports internal career growth. We pride ourselves in having successful collaboration across different functions, and as the company continues to grow we will keep nurturing the international and vibrant environment welcoming people from all across the world. Duration & Location The position is either permanent with six months initial probationary period or 2-years fixed term depending on experience. Your work place will be situated in Lund, Sweden. The position is to be filled as soon as possible. Application & Contact Please provide your curriculum vitae and covering letter in English by visiting www.europeanspallationsource.se/vacancies<http://www.europeanspallationsource.se/vacancies>, selecting the position, clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. It is a requirement of our application process that the names and contact details of three references be provided. Last application date is 1 September, 2013. Please note we only accept applications via the ESS website. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Arno Hiess arno.hiess[at]esss.se (unavailable 20-28 July). For further information about the recruitment process, please contact Linda Sima, linda.sima[at]esss.se (unavailable 2-25 August). We look forward to receiving your application. _____________________ Esko Oksanen, PhD Instrument Scientist - Neutron Macromolecular Crystallography European Spallation Source ESS AB P.O Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden Visiting address: Tunavägen 24, Lund Switchboard: +46 46 888 00 00 Phone: +46 46 888 30 36 Mobile: +46 721 79 20 36 E-mail: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> www.esss.se<http://www.esss.se/> The European Spallation Source is a Partnership of 17 European Nations committed to the goal of Collectively building and operating the world's leading facility for research using neutrons by the second quarter of the 21st Century
