Research Coordination Office Group Leader

The European Spallation Source (ESS) aspires to become the world’s brightest neutron source for science and technology, with full operations planned by the end of this decade. Starting in 2028, state-of-the-art neutron instruments will be available to the scientific community, supporting a broad range of research across materials science. In the future, ESS anticipates hosting between 2,000 and 3,000 users annually, including participants from both academia and industry.  The Science Directorate is responsible for overseeing ESS’s neutron science activities. Its organizational structure includes Three Instrument Divisions, tasked with delivering scientific output using neutron instruments; the Data Management and Scientific Computing Division based in Denmark; the Scientific Support Division, which provides sample environment and laboratory support; the Neutron Scattering Systems Division, encompassing the technical staff involved in instrument construction; and the Research Coordination Office, which manages the administrative and strategic functions of the directorate.  About the position  The ESS is at a pivotal moment in its development, transitioning from a construction site to an operational facility. As we prepare for the start of scientific use of neutron instruments and user activities, anticipated to begin in 2027, we are seeking a Group Leader for our Research Coordination Office. In addition to the responsibilities outlined below, the Group Leader will oversee the expansion of the team over the next two years to achieve the steady-state operational configuration.  The main activities of the Research Coordination Office will include:  • Scientific administrative support to the science directorate.  • User office implementation and running.  • User community development and support.  • Industrial use coordination activities.  • Grants implementation and administration.  • Provision of library service. • Outreach about science including conference, workshop, school and seminar administration and collaboration in maintaining science web pages.  • Master, PhD and postdoc programmes administrative coordination.  As the Research Coordination Office Group Leader, you will occupy a key position at the ESS and be expected to:  • Provide support to the science director in scientific management, activity reports and strategic documentation redaction  • Manage a team with an emphasis on staff cohesion and efficiency and orient the group’s actions towards high quality of service.  • Oversee the implementation of a strategy for academic and industrial user access.  • Contribute to the development of the overall ESS science strategy.  • Promote scientific life throughout the facility.  • Oversee the expansion of the team and group activities to achieve steady-state operational configuration.   This is a permanent, full-time, position based in Lund, Sweden.  Requirements  • Extensive experience working at a user facility similar to ESS, such as in neutron science, x-ray science, or a related field, is required for eligibility.  • Proven leadership experience and abilities, as well as ease in collaborating and communicating with internal and external stakeholders.  • Ability to initiate and drive projects forward, remaining solution-oriented and maintaining a strategic overview even when setbacks occur.  • Experience working in an international environment, with excellent written and spoken English skills.  • Service-minded attitude.  What we offer  Aside from the chance to work at a truly unique project, you can also expect:  • An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.  • A brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and people from across the globe.  • A challenging, exciting and fast-paced work environment.  • Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.  • 30 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.  • Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.  • Flexible working arrangements and a real work-life balance.  Further information:  If 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 by 20 February, 2026.  Certain roles at ESS require health and safety, and this position requires security checks, which are carried out during the recruitment and onboarding process.  For further information regarding the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Sofie Berg on sofie.berg@ess.eu   For further information regarding the position, please contact Science Director, Giovanna Fragneto at giovanna.fragneto@ess.eu  For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias at nuno.elias@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu  We look forward to receiving your application.