The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people. 

The Applied Materials Group (AMG) is one of four groups in the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging (LNS), which oversees the scientific exploration of the Swiss spallation neutron source, SINQ. AMG operates several neutron imaging instruments and an neutron engineering diffractometer.

For the Applied Materials Group in the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging

Group leader

Your tasks

  • Scientific and personnel management of the group 
  • Advancing the scientific and technical development of imaging and engineering instruments 
  • Support of user experiments at SINQ (25% of working time) 
  • Acquisition and support of academic and commercial SINQ users working in industry or in the field of applied research 
  • Acquisition of third-party funding to finance the group’s activities in research, method development, and instrumentation 
  • Development and implementation of the long-term strategy together with the laboratory head and the LNS management team and other stakeholders in the Center for Neutron and Muon Sciences
  • Presentation of the group’s activities at conferences and in publications 
  • Training and supervision of students and doctoral candidates, including lectures and practical courses

Your profile

  • University degree in a scientific or technical field, including a doctoral degree 
  • Internationally recognized scientist with leadership experience in project and personnel management 
  • Good language proficiency and strong communication skills in English and German 
  • Project management experience is desirable

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

This is a Tenure Track position. The employment contract will initially be limited to 3 years. 

Please submit your application online by April 7 for the position as a Group leader (Index-Nr. 3304-26337).


Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mikela Szolansky, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland 
Apply now