Beamline Scientist at Bloch beamline

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. High-throughput SAXS for Lipid Nanoparticle Structure and Function Are you interested in developing next-generation scattering methods for one of the most important challenges in modern therapeutics? We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the CoSAXS beamline at MAX IV and the Edler Group, at Lund University to develop high-throughput SAXS/WAXS approaches for understanding the structure and function of solid lipid nanoparticles. This 36 month position offers the opportunity to work at one of the world’s most advanced synchrotron facilities, within an international and interdisciplinary research environment spanning soft matter physics, structural biology, nanomedicine, and advanced data analysis. The fellowship is funded through the prestigious AMBER Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programme. The Research Environment The position is hosted jointly by the CoSAXS beamline and the Edler goup at Lund University. CoSAXS (https://www.maxiv.lu.se/beamlines-accelerators/beamlines/cosaxs/) is a state-of-the-art SAXS/WAXS beamline operating on the 3 GeV storage ring at MAX IV, one of the world’s leading fourth-generation synchrotron sources. The beamline supports research in soft matter, biological materials, and nanostructured systems through advanced instrumentation and flexible sample environments. The Edler Group ( https://www.cas.lu.se/research/materials-chemistry/edler-research-group) focuses on understanding how hierarchical functional materials form and how this understanding can be used to design new materials with tailored properties. Research in the group centres on self-assembly processes involving nanoparticles, surfactants, polymers, lipid systems, and other soft matter components, with particular emphasis on how nanoscale interactions govern structure and function across multiple length scales. The group combines advanced scattering and diffraction methods with a broad suite of complementary characterisation techniques such as TEM, SEM, AFM, NMR, light scattering, XRD, and neutron scattering approaches. The project also involves collaboration with researchers at ESS and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source as part of the ESS First Science initiative “The Lifecycle of a Lipid Nanoparticle.” The Project: High-throughput SAXS for Visualising Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Lipid nanoparticles are rapidly transforming the field of drug delivery, including RNA therapeutics and precision medicine. Despite their importance, many fundamental questions remain about how nanoparticle structure governs encapsulation, stability, transport, and biological performance. This project aims to establish direct links between nanoscale structure and function in lipid nanoparticles using advanced synchrotron SAXS/WAXS methods at MAX IV. The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in developing new experimental and analytical capabilities for high-throughput lipid nanoparticle characterisation at CoSAXS. The work combines synchrotron experiments, advanced scattering analysis, and collaborative method development. The successful candidate will: design, plan, and perform SAXS/WAXS experiments on solid lipid nanoparticles and related soft matter systems develop high-throughput workflows for nanoparticle characterisation at CoSAXS investigate nanoparticle formation pathways, internal organisation, and structural evolution analyse scattering data using advanced computational approaches, including atomistic and coarse-grained modelling contribute to the development of data analysis tools for complex nanoparticle systems participate in neutron and synchrotron experiments at international large-scale facilities support relevant user experiments and contribute to the broader scientific activities of the beamline train and support users in scattering workflows and analysis methods contribute to supervision of student projects and collaborative research activities disseminate research through publications, conference presentations, workshops, and international collaborations The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute both to frontier research in nanostructured therapeutics and to the development of next-generation experimental methods for the wider scientific community. We are looking for an ambitious and collaborative researcher with strong experimental and analytical skills. Applicants should have: PhD in a relevant science area, biophysics, lipid/amphiphile based physical chemistry or equivalent Proven expertise in SAXS/WAXS and data interpretation Proven experience in the use of synchrotron SAXS/WAXS for lipid or surfactant self-assembled structure determination Documented expertise in data reduction and analysis using scripting (ideally python-based) Experience carrying out SAXS/WAXS experiments at large scale facilities, ideally from self-authored proposals Working experience with soft matter and/or protein systems including sample preparation for SAXS measurements Ability to work independently and take initiatives Strong social and communication skills Good command of written and spoken English Experience with lipid systems, surfactants, nanoparticle self-assembly, atomistic modelling, or beamline environments will be considered an advantage. For the full advert and application, go here: https://lu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:939549/

What you'll do You will develop algorithms, FPGA firmware, and data acquisition systems for CMS online luminosity measurement, beam monitoring, and Tracker calibration for the High Luminosity LHC, and coordinate such developments. This involves Integrating and commissioning back-end systems for luminosity and tracking detectors, enabling real-time data processing and precision luminosity measurements. Your responsibilities - Develop, deploy, and maintain firmware and real-time algorithms for back-end electronics across multiple CMS board platforms, including systems for the Fast Beam Conditions Monitor (FBCM), Inner and Outer Tracker online luminosity, to support luminosity measurement, beam monitoring, and lumi-trigger generation. - Validate front-end detectors (including FBCM and Tracker modules) and back-end electronics through laboratory testing, ensuring end-to-end system performance from detector to data output. - Execute detector functional tests during detector integration at the Tracker Integration Facility, ensuring system readiness prior to installation. - Organise and lead test campaigns, including preparatory activities, on-site coordination of participants, and systematic validation of hardware, firmware, software and detector response. - Lead studies of detector efficiency, calibration quality, and operational stability, through measurements and simulations. - Coordinate technical interfaces across detector, trigger, timing, and data acquisition domains to ensure system integration. - Supervise and mentor students and fellows, including recruitment and structured technical guidance. - Anticipate upcoming technical and operational needs, structuring workflows, preparing infrastructure, and engaging with collaborating institutes to ensure continuity of operations. Your profile - Hands-on experience with detector laboratories, electronics prototyping, and test beam operations. - Strong experience in FPGA firmware development (VHDL or similar HDL) and real-time data processing, ideally in particle physics detectors. - Demonstrated ability to integrate and troubleshoot complex systems spanning firmware, software, and detector hardware, from the detector frontend through to the data output. - Experience with data analysis, detector efficiency and calibration studies, and the statistical methods relevant to performance evaluation. - Experience in supervising or mentoring students or junior colleagues, including selecting candidates and adapting guidance to individual strengths. - PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field. You are asked to provide at least one reference letter as part of your application. Your skills - Simulation, design and development of trigger, data acquisition chains: including FPGA-based electronics. - Simulation, design and development of (parts of) detectors. - Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components. - Analysis and optimisation of detector performance: through the interpretation of simulation and experimental data. - Solid understanding of electronics. - Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to anticipate needs, coordinate across teams, and lead activities under time pressure. - Effective communicator across multidisciplinary teams, able to maintain constructive working relationships and coordinate technical interfaces with diverse contributors. - Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind. - Contributes to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addresses issues. - Sets ambitious, challenging but realistic goals; is ready to take initiatives and calculated risks in the interest of CERN. - Makes timely decisions that balance systematic analysis with decisiveness; deals with difficulties in a timely manner. - Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Medical hazard Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions. Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. Employment conditions - A valid driving licence. - Work in Radiation Areas. - Interventions in underground installations. - Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization. Ideal start date: 01/10/2026 Contract duration (in months): 48 Grade range: 6 Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist