PhD Candidate in Integrated Control System Automation

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

The Integrated Control Systems (ICS) Division at the European Spallation Source in Lund – in cooperation with Lund University – invites applications for a PhD position in the area of control systems engineering within the ICS Division.

Come and build the future of Science with us

About the ICS Division:

The Integrated Control System Division provides and maintains efficient and cost-effective control, timing, protection and safety systems and services for the ESS facility (accelerator, target, instruments and conventional facilities) by developing and maintaining technical competence and deploying innovative solutions that can be shared throughout the controls community through open collaborative processes.

The responsibilities of the division include but are not limited to:

• Hardware and integration support.
• Software and services.
• Machine Protection and Personnel Safety Systems.
• Controls infrastructure.
• Standardisation and architecture.

Position Description:

During operation of the European Spallation Source, it is important to have as few interruptions in neutron production as possible. A smart alarm system can significantly contribute to high availability of the facility, because it can prevent equipment damage through detecting non-nominal conditions early on and consequently inform the operators with accurate information, allowing them to act on-time.

We are seeking an engaged and highly motivated PhD candidate to work with the ICS division on developing and implementing an effective alarm strategy for ESS control, protection, and safety systems.

This is a fixed-term "industridoktorand" position for a period of four (4) years.

Qualifications and candidate profile:

To be eligible for this PhD studentship, the following qualifications are required:

• You must be eligible for the PhD program in control engineering at the Department for Controls Engineering at Lund University.
• A "Sherlock Holmes" kind of mindset; ready to tackle complex and multi-dimensional challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural, international environment.
• A proactive and self-motivated attitude, with a willingness to take initiative.
• The ability to work as part of a team, but also the capability to work independently.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

In addition to the required qualifications, the following experience would be considered advantageous:

• A sound understanding of EPICS, as well as various programming languages - including Python and C.
• Good understanding of Linear Algebra.
• Good understanding of control systems and engineering of control systems.
• A well-developed understanding of the fundamentals in machine learning.

To apply:

If you see yourself in what we're looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English . Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.

We review applications continuously, so don't miss out Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-69753 in your application.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker on

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson on or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at

We look forward to receiving your application soon

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