{"data":{"id":203543,"slug":"postdoctoral-researcher","type":"job","title":"Postdoctoral Researcher","description":"The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. ESS will soon be the world's most powerful source of neutrons, providing researchers with unique opportunities to explore the structure of materials at the atomic level. Neutron scattering at ESS will address critical questions in physics, chemistry, geology, materials science and life science.\n \nWe are now inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Small-Angle Neutron Scattering of Biocompatible Microgels. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a powerful technique for investigating the structure and dynamics of scientifically and technologically important soft and complex materials across nanometre-to-micrometre length scales. Energy materials, biomaterials, colloidal systems, and functional nanostructures are prime examples of systems whose properties and performance depend critically on hierarchical structures and processes occurring over these length scales.\n \nThis project focuses on developing and characterising a new class of biocompatible thermoresponsive microgels for biomedical and soft matter applications. The work combines neutron scattering, rheology, advanced sample environments, and molecular simulations to understand how the internal structure and softness of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) microgels influence their behaviour in dense suspensions and under flow.\n \nThe goals are:\nDevelop an understanding of the structure, mechanics, and flow behaviour of PVCL microgels\nDevelop and implement a 1,2-shear cell for rheo-SANS and rheo-SAXS experiments at ESS and MAX IV, that will allow to measure scattered intensity in the velocity-gradient plane, the most sensitive to shear-induced deformations.\nCombine neutron scattering experiments with molecular simulations to establish predictive models for soft colloidal systems relevant to biomedical applications\n\n \nThe Opportunity\nWe are seeking an independent and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with experience in microgels\u2014particularly synthesis and\/or neutron scattering techniques.\nYou will be part of the Large Scale Structures Division at ESS in Lund and supervised by the ESS LOKI team (Judith Houston). You will benefit from research supervision and collaboration with the Laurati group at the University of Florence (https:\/\/www.csgi.unifi.it\/person.php?p=330), who are experts in soft colloid synthetic procedures and their characterisation using scattering and rheology techniques, and the Zaccarelli group at Sapienza University of Rome (https:\/\/www.roma1.infn.it\/~zaccarel\/curriculum.htm) who are experts in molecular dynamic simulations. The collaboration will involve the first year based in Italy for knowledge transfer, training and supervision, sample preparation, and access to their laboratories.\n \nYour Role and Responsibilities\nCollaboration with research groups at ESS, the University of Florence, and Sapienza University of Rome.\nLaboratory work involving synthesis, characterisation, and rheological measurements of PVCL microgels\nNeutron and x-ray scattering experiments at ESS, MAX IV, and international large-scale facilities\nDevelop and commission a custom 1,2-shear cell for rheo-SANS\/rheo-SAXS measurements. Test and validate the developed sample environment at ESS and leading neutron (e.g., ILL, ISIS) and X-ray facilities (e.g. Diamond, MaxIV), ensuring reliability and robustness.\nPerform molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations of microgels and dense suspensions to quantitatively interpret scattering data and establish universal models for soft colloids\nConduct and develop independent research in line with the LOKI science case.\nAuthor scientific and technical publications\nPresent scientific and technical research at relevant conferences and workshops.\nContributing to the commissioning and scientific development of ESS instrumentation\n\n \nRequired Qualifications:\nPh.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.\nStrong experience in the characterisation of soft colloids\nExperience as a user of large-scale X-ray and\/or neutron facilities, including experience in data analysis.\nAbility to work both independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.\nProficiency in scientific writing and presentation in English, as evidenced by a strong publication record.\nWillingness and ability to travel internationally for collaborative research and beamtime.\n\n Desirable Qualifications:\nStrong research background in small-angle x-ray and\/neutron scattering of soft colloids.\nProgramming experience (e.g. Python, Matlab) for data analysis and to perform molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations.\nProficiency in synthesis, characterisation, and rheological measurements of soft colloidal systems.\n\n \nDuration and Location\nThe position is a 3-year full-time position located in Florence, Italy for the first year and Lund, Sweden for the remaining 2 years.\n \nApplication & Contact \nA career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.\n \nIf you see yourself in what we're looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on \"apply\" and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Submit your application as soon as you can, no later than October 7, 2026.\n \nThe recruitment process will have a round of initial interviews via Zoom in mid-October and onsite interviews at ESS in first weeks of November. Part of the onsite interview will be to hold a scientific talk (seminar) that will be open to all ESS employees. \n \nFor further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Louise J\u00f6neg\u00e5rd on louise.jonegard@ess.eu or Hiring Manager Andrew Jackson on andrew.jackson@ess.eu.\n \nFor trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias on nuno.elias@ess.eu or SACO\/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu  \n \nWe look forward to receiving your applications soon!","language":"sv","is_translated":true,"title_original":"Postdoctoral Researcher","description_original":"The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. ESS will soon be the world\u2019s most powerful source of neutrons, providing researchers with unique opportunities to explore the structure of materials at the atomic level. Neutron scattering at ESS will address critical questions in physics, chemistry, geology, materials science and life science.\n\u00a0\nWe are now inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Small-Angle Neutron Scattering of Biocompatible Microgels. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a powerful technique for investigating the structure and dynamics of scientifically and technologically important soft and complex materials across nanometre-to-micrometre length scales. Energy materials, biomaterials, colloidal systems, and functional nanostructures are prime examples of systems whose properties and performance depend critically on hierarchical structures and processes occurring over these length scales.\n\u00a0\nThis project focuses on developing and characterising a new class of biocompatible thermoresponsive microgels for biomedical and soft matter applications. The work combines neutron scattering, rheology, advanced sample environments, and molecular simulations to understand how the internal structure and softness of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) microgels influence their behaviour in dense suspensions and under flow.\n\u00a0\nThe goals are:\nDevelop an understanding of the structure, mechanics, and flow behaviour of PVCL microgels\nDevelop and implement a 1,2-shear cell for rheo-SANS and rheo-SAXS experiments at ESS and MAX IV, that will allow to measure scattered intensity in the velocity-gradient plane, the most sensitive to shear-induced deformations.\nCombine neutron scattering experiments with molecular simulations to establish predictive models for soft colloidal systems relevant to biomedical applications\n\n\u00a0\nThe Opportunity\nWe are seeking an independent and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with experience in microgels - particularly synthesis and\/or neutron scattering techniques.\nYou will be part of the Large Scale Structures Division at the ESS in Lund and supervised by the ESS LOKI team (Judith Houston). You will benefit from research supervision and collaboration with the Laurati group at the University of Florence (https:\/\/www.csgi.unifi.it\/person.php?p=330), who are experts in soft colloid synthetic procedures, and their characterisation using scattering and rheology techniques, and the Zaccarelli group at the Sapienza University of Rome (https:\/\/www.roma1.infn.it\/~zaccarel\/curriculum.htm) who are experts in molecular dynamic simulations. The collaboration will involve the first year based in Italy for knowledge transfer, training and supervision, sample preparation, and access to their laboratories.\n\u00a0\nYour Role and Responsibilities\nCollaboration with research groups at ESS, the University of Florence, and Sapienza University of Rome.\nLaboratory work involving synthesis, characterisation, and rheological measurements of PVCL microgels\nNeutron and x-ray scattering experiments at ESS, MAX IV, and international large-scale facilities\nDevelop and commission a custom 1,2-shear cell for rheo-SANS\/rheo-SAXS measurements. Test and validate the developed sample environment at ESS and leading neutron (e.g., ILL, ISIS) and X-ray facilities (e.g. Diamond, MaxIV), ensuring reliability and robustness.\nPerform molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations of microgels and dense suspensions to quantitatively interpret scattering data and establish universal models for soft colloids\nConduct and develop independent research in line with the LOKI science case.\nAuthor scientific and technical publications\nPresent scientific and technical research at relevant conferences and workshops.\nContributing to the commissioning and scientific development of ESS instrumentation\n\n\u00a0\nRequired Qualifications:\nPh.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.\nStrong experience in the characterisation of soft colloids\nExperience as a user of large-scale X-ray and\/or neutron facilities, including experience in data analysis.\nAbility to work both independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.\nProficiency in scientific writing and presentation in English, as evidenced by a strong publication record.\nWillingness and ability to travel internationally for collaborative research and beamtime.\n\n\u00a0Desirable Qualifications:\nStrong research background in small-angle x-ray and\/neutron scattering of soft colloids.\nProgramming experience (e.g. Python, Matlab) for data analysis and to perform molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations.\nProficiency in synthesis, characterisation, and rheological measurements of soft colloidal systems.\n\n\u00a0\nDuration and Location\nThe position is a 3-year full-time position located in Florence, Italy for the first year and Lund, Sweden for the remaining 2 years.\n\u00a0\nApplication & Contact\u00a0\nA career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.\n\u00a0\nIf you see yourself in what we\u2019re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on \u201capply\u201d and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. Submit your application as soon as you can, no later than October 7, 2026.\n\u00a0\nThe recruitment process will have a round of initial interviews via Zoom in mid-October and onsite interviews at ESS in first weeks of November. Part of the onsite interview will be to hold a scientific talk (seminar) that will be open to all ESS employees.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nFor further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Louise J\u00f6neg\u00e5rd on louise.jonegardmailto:email@ess.eu or Hiring Manager Andrew Jackson on andrew.jackson@ess.eu.\n\u00a0\nFor trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias on mailto:nuno.elias@ess.eu or SACO\/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:marc.kickulies@ess.eu\u202f\u00a0\n\u00a0\nWe look forward to receiving your applications soon!","price":null,"currency":"SEK","status":"active","noindex":true,"location":{"address":null,"full_address":null,"city":"Lund","country":"SE","latitude":55.731678379193,"longitude":13.242496564427},"metadata":{"region":"Sk\u00e5ne l\u00e4n","duration":"6 m\u00e5nader eller l\u00e4ngre","employer":"European Spallation Source Eric","postcode":"22484","positions":1,"profession":"Fysiker","salary_type":"Fast m\u00e5nads- vecko- eller timl\u00f6n","scope_of_work":"100\u2013100 %","working_hours":"Heltid","employment_type":"full_time","occupation_field":"Naturvetenskap","employer_workplace":"European Spallation Source","experience_required":true,"employment_type_label":"Vanlig anst\u00e4llning"},"user_id":null,"is_sponsored":false,"views_count":0,"ai_views_count":5,"bot_views_count":3,"ai_vendor_counts":{"other":2,"openai":1,"anthropic":2},"visibility":"public","submission_source":null,"submission_ai_name":null,"has_owner_email":true,"can_contact_owner":true,"phone":null,"owner_email":"email@ess.eu","images":[],"published_at":"2026-09-09T15:47:27+00:00","expires_at":"2026-10-07T23:59:59+00:00","created_at":"2026-09-10T04:05:56+00:00","updated_at":"2026-09-15T03:13:52+00:00"}}