The posting
Keep world‑class science running – day and night The European Spallation Source (ESS) is preparing for full scientific operations of one of the world’s most advanced research infrastructures. To support daily activities in our experimental halls, we are now recruiting Hall Coordinators who want to work at the heart of the facility to ensure that our experimental halls operate safely and efficiently. This is a permanent, shift‑based role at the centre of ESS operations. You will be the on‑site point of coordination during during the day, but also during evenings, nights, and weekends where you will ensure safe, efficient, and well‑coordinated activity across our scientific experimental halls. About the role: As a Hall Coordinator, you will be part of a team providing 24/7 operational coverage in the experimental halls. During out‑of‑hours periods, you'll be the primary point of contact for users and ESS staff, coordinating activities, responding to issues, and ensuring safe operations across large, shared technical areas. The role combines situational awareness, technical judgement, communication, and responsibility. It is ideally suited to people who thrive in operational, shift‑based environments. No prior experience of facilities like ESS or neutron science is required, as you will follow a structured onboarding and training pathway over your first 6–12 months. What you will do: During shift work, you will: Act as the primary point of contact for users and staff working in the experimental halls outside normal office hours. Provide first‑line technical support and coordinate call in specialist technical teams when required. Perform regular walk‑throughs of experimental areas to identify risks, issues, or abnormal conditions. Respond to alarms and malfunctions in experimental halls and laboratory buildings. Interface closely with the Main Control Room (MCR) during normal and abnormal situations. Provide basic radiological protection services, including surveys, assessments, and reporting, following procedures. Support users and staff with "authorised activities", such as operating cranes, filling cryogenic dewars, and changing gas bottles. Provide hall orientation, basic user guidance, and access to common tools, spares, and consumables.
Outside user operation periods, you will also support maintenance, shutdown, and upgrade activities in the experimental halls. This is a full-time, permanent position based at the ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden. The position includes being part of ESS Crisis Organisation as a First Responder, which requires passing a security check, treadmill test to handle breathing apparatus and an annual medical check-up. Shift work and working pattern: This is a 24/7 shift position, working a rotating three‑shift schedule (morning, evening, night), including weekends and holidays. At ESS, we recognise the demands of shift work. So, we offer: Predictable and planned shift schedules. Thorough training before independent shifts. A stable, long‑term role in a critical operational function.
About you: We are looking for candidates with a technical background suited to facility operations and coordination. You may be a good fit if you have practical experience in one or more of the following areas: Mechanical installation, assembly, or maintenance Technical facility operations or building systems Industrial plants, energy facilities, laboratories, or large technical sites Shift‑based operational or coordination roles
This role may suit you if you have experience from: Industrial operations, process plants, or technical facilities. Control rooms, infrastructure sites, or large campuses. Technical coordination, duty officer, or operations support roles. Emergency services, defence, or other shift‑based operational environments.
You must bring: Strong safety awareness and a structured way of working The ability to assess situations, prioritise tasks, and escalate issues appropriately Clear communication skills, especially during handovers and under time pressure Comfort working independently during evenings, nights, and weekends Good spoken and written English. Other languages are an advantage.
Previous experience in research facilities or radiation environments is not required as full training will be provided. Why join ESS? Play a key role in enabling world‑class scientific research. Work in a high‑responsibility operational role with real impact. Be part of an international, professional operations team. Gain unique experience in a large‑scale research infrastructure.
To apply: 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. Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment and onboarding process. We review applications continuously, so submit your application as soon as you can, stating the job reference number ESD-78606 in your application. For further information regarding the position, please contact the Daniel Nordin Baker on [email protected]. For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on mailto:[email protected] or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:[email protected]
