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.
ESS is now inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Engineer in robotics and computer vision to work within the ASTRIND project to conduct research on, develop, and integrate an automated sample alignment system based on robotics and computer vision for the BEER instrument at ESS.
About the ASTRIND project:
Funded by the Röntgen-Ångström Cluster, this German-Swedish collaboration aims to enhance strain and texture measurements at ESS’s BEER diffractometer by transferring and extending robotic, vision, and simulation technologies developed at STRESS-SPEC (MLZ Munich). The project will improve alignment, motion planning, and sample exchange through multi-view camera tracking, integrated robot and hexapod control, and a BEER digital twin for calibration, collision-aware trajectory planning, and workflow validation. Additional tools for 3D-based measurement-point selection and in-situ digital image correlation will support advanced experiments. Cross-facility demonstrations between BEER and STRESS-SPEC will establish reproducible, standardized, and higher-throughput engineering diffraction workflows with improved data quality and industrial relevance.
About the role:
This position combines robotics, computer vision, software development, and moderate amount of experimental work with neutron diffraction technique to support the development and deployment of advanced sample alignment systems for the BEER instrument.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Designing the system architecture (robot, cameras, auxiliary equipment) and propose hardware specifications, balancing performance requirements against the ASTRIND budget.
Leading the integration of the sample robot, cameras, and auxiliary systems with the site-wide integrated control system (EPICS) and the neutron scattering control system (NICOS).
Defining the data handling and user interfaces required for routine use of automated alignment during experiments.
Planning and carrying out testing, commissioning, and validation of the system.
Writing technical documentation
Depending on who we appoint into this position, you may also be:
Conducting research and supervising master’s students on robotics and computer vision methods for automated sample alignment in neutron scattering applications.
Publishing these research results in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences to strengthen the scientific output of the project.
The role also requires the flexibility for occasional travel, including visits to project partners in Munich.
About you:
To succeed in this role, you need a strong background in robotics, mechatronics, automatic control, computer vision, or a very closely related field. This must be supported by either a PhD or an engineering degree together with relevant professional experience. You are motivated by the opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced instrumentation, software integration, and experimental science within a large-scale international research facility.
You bring solid hands-on experience in robotics and computer vision, including system integration, motion control, sensor or camera systems, and software development for automated or semi-automated platforms. You are comfortable working across both hardware and software layers and enjoy turning complex technical requirements into reliable operational systems.
You have strong programming and software engineering skills, particularly in Python and C/C++, and are confident working in Linux environments, using version control systems such as Git, and developing within frameworks such as ROS. Experience with CAD software and mechanical system design is also expected.
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage:
Integration of robotic systems with scientific or industrial control systems.
Machine vision, calibration, or multi-camera tracking systems.
Motion planning, simulation, or digital twin environments.
Experimental automation in research or large-scale infrastructure environments.
EPICS, NICOS, neutron or synchrotron instrumentation, or similar scientific facilities.
For candidates applying at the postdoctoral level, experience of publishing research results and contributing to scientific projects is highly valued. Experience supervising students or mentoring junior colleagues would also be beneficial.
As a person, you are collaborative, proactive, and curious, with a strong interest in learning and developing new skills. You communicate clearly and work effectively with engineers, scientists, software developers, and technical staff from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds. You are comfortable working both independently and as part of an international team, and you have excellent written and spoken English skills.
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 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 by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.
This role might require enhanced security screening processes, which will be performed during the recruitment process if needed.
For further information about the project please contact Gergely Németh, gergely.nemeth@ess.eu or Karin Rathsman, karin.rathsman@ess.eu.
For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on Nerusha.Naicker@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu