Instrument Scientist

The Jülich Centre for Neutron Science - Neutron Methods (JCNS-4) operates at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) in Garching near Munich a suite of high performance neutron scattering instruments. It provides access to these instruments for scientists from universities and research institutions in Germany and throughout the world. Within the user program more than 1000 scientists visit the MLZ every year to perform experiments in the physical, chemical, biological and materials sciences. In addition, JCNS is actively pursuing a research program in the field of soft matter science and condensed matter physics. We are looking for a highly motivated instrument scientist to join the neutron spectrometer TOPAS (Thermal time-of-flight spectrometer with polarization analysis) team. The instrument TOPAS is currently in the construction phase, giving you the opportunity to build the instrument from the ground up and thus experience the development and the first neutrons. Later it will be operating like all our instrument in the user program and will be further developed and optimized over the years.

**Your Job**:

- Responsibility for the instrument TOPAS, including set-up phase, commissioning and subsequent user operation
- Provide local contact support for users of the neutron spectrometer TOPAS of JCNS at MLZ
- Contribute to the instrument development of TOPAS to meet future experimental challenge
- Develop your own scientific program in the framework of the JCNS institutes, offering a wide range of complementary methods
- Conduct and disseminate world-class research via publications and conferences. Conduct Presentations in the fields mentioned above
- Represent and actively work on increasing the user base at MLZ

**Your Profile**:

- Master's with subsequent PhD degree or equivalent degree in Physics, physical Chemistry or a related discipline
- A strong background in experimental condensed matter research
- A proven track record in inelastic neutron scattering research would be a distinct advantage
- Very good command of written and spoken English
- Initiative character, creativity, good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, result orientation and analytical skills
- Ability to work independently and as a teamplayer in JCNS
- Readiness to work on-call-duty during the user operation periods

**Our Offer**:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the opportunity to actively help in shaping change. Here is what Forschungszentrum Jülich can offer you:

- Exciting working environment on an attractive research campus, ideally situated close to the city of Munich
- The position represents an excellent opportunity to carry out research in condensed matter using neutron scattering in a multidisciplinary team at MLZ
- Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
- Promoting professional development through participation in national and international conferences and through various training programs
- Flexible working hours in a full-time position (39 hours/week) with the option of slightly reduced working hours
- 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)

Place of employment: Garching (München)

You will be initially employed for a fixed term of 2 years but with the prospect of longer-term employment. Salary and social security benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13 - 15, depending on your current qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to you.