Group leader for Spallation target/neutron source operations

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. Our goal is to become the brightest source of neutrons for science and technology and be operational by the end of this decade. A state-of-the-art suite of neutron scattering instruments will be made available to address a wide range of scientific fields in fundamental and materials science. Powered by the world's most advanced linear proton accelerator, ESS will enable cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, health, and the environment for decades to come.

Join us in shaping the future of science - from the ground up.

About the role:

As we continue our transition into Steady State Operations, ESS is now looking for a motivated and experienced Group Leader to head our Spallation Target/Neutron Source Operations & Maintenance Group. The Target Station is the beating heart of the ESS facility, as this is where the neutrons are produced that make cutting edge research possible via the ESS instrument suite. The Spallation Target/Neutron Source Operations & Maintenance Group will be responsible for the leadership and coordination of the work within the group's overall technical competence, which includes the planning, preparation and execution of the corrective maintenance, routine checks and operational activities within the ESS Target Station. You will also work with the ESS-wide operational groups to coordinate facility operation – assuring operational readiness as needed for the facility runtime schedule.

This is a hands-on technical and people leadership role requires a certified and experienced expert within the field of neutron spallation sources and neutron target operations. You will be instrumental in leading the team responsible for ensuring that neutron production meets operational targets and user uptime guarantees, whilst also planning and implementing strategic initiatives such as compliance frameworks and the further development of potential on-call support systems.

This is a full-time, permanent position which is based on-site at the ESS campus in Lund, Sweden.

Day-to-day, you will:

• Organise and lead the work of the group members, acting as the line manager for your team. This includes setting goals, leading performance evaluations, managing training programs, and hiring as needed to grow group capacity.
• Serve as the line manager for direct reports, whilst overseeing the work of contractors.
• Coordinate resource allocation to ensure required level of technical support can be delivered as needed.
• Foster a collaborative environment which provides support, guidance, and development opportunities for staff members.
• Lead and coordinate all functions related to the planning, preparation and execution of the corrective maintenance, routine checks and operational activities within the ESS Target Station.
• Prepare and manage the budget for the Group and allocate resources based on project needs and organisational priorities.
• Provide expert advice on operational and maintenance aspects to ESS management, engineering teams, and external collaborators.
• Drive and coordinate contributions to ESS's SSM licensing process to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Promote open communication and contributing to the professional growth of team members through training and feedback.
• Ensure the right competencies are in place to support safe and efficient target station operations.
• Manage/coordinate interfaces with relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance and operational readiness.

About you:

To be considered for this role, you must have an academic and professional background in engineering, holding at least a master's degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Energy, or a related field. A PhD and published research in spallation source operations would be considered an advantage. Your experience must span several years in the operation, commissioning, and maintenance of large-scale accelerator-driven facilities, ideally in major science laboratories or industrial settings. Prior, demonstrable expertise of planning and executing operational strategies for neutron sources or target operations, plant installations, turbomachinery, process upgrading, overseeing corrective and preventive maintenance, routine checks, and troubleshooting of key facility systems is required for this role. Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams during the commissioning and ramp-up of new facilities is an asset.

We are seeking an inspirational and dedicated leader with the ability to create an environment where all team members can experience success. As a skilled problem-solver, you are someone who excels at managing day-to-day operations while planning strategically for the future. With experience in managing teams, handling contracts, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, you must be able to effectively balance immediate priorities with long-term goals. Your technical insight and leadership ability inspire those around you to deliver their best work in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.

As a Group Leader, you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring that one of the world's foremost research facilities always operates to the highest standards. Strong interpersonal and communication skills define your approach to building highly functional teams as they allow you to interact effectively with technical systems teams and management stakeholders. You therefore need to have the organisational mindset needed to contribute to – or develop – structured workflows and documentation to optimise operational processes.

The working language of ESS is English, but the ability to speak another European language would be an advantage.

To apply:

A 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.

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. We review applications continuously and may close applications early if suitable candidates are identified, so submit your application as soon as you can - stating the job reference number ESD-72724 in your application.

This role requires additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Daniel Nordin Baker on

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

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