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. 

For the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging we are looking for a

Group Leader Soft Matter

Your tasks

  • Scientific and personnel leadership of the Soft Matter Group 
  • Support of user experiments at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source SINQ 
  • Scientific and technical development of the soft matter instruments at SINQ 
  • Acquisition and support of users from industry and applied research 
  • Acquisition and management of third-party funded projects in research, method development and instrumentation 
  • Development and implementation of the long-term group strategy in close collaboration with the laboratory head and the leadership team 
  • Pursuit of an independent research programme in the field of soft matter, biology or related fields, using neutron instrumentation at SINQ 
  • Presentation of scientific results and projects in peer-reviewed publications and at international conferences 
  • Supervision and development of students, doctoral candidates and early-career researchers, including lectures and practical courses

Your profile

  • University degree in natural sciences or engineering with a PhD 
  • Internationally recognised scientific profile in the field of soft matter research using scattering or imaging methods
  • Experience in scientific leadership, personnel management and the management of research or instrumentation projects 
  • Experience in acquiring and leading third-party funded projects 
  • Sound understanding of user operation at large-scale research facilities and strong interest in collaboration with academic and industrial partners 
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills in an international and interdisciplinary environment 
  • Very good command of English and knowledge of German, or willingness to further develop German language skills 
  • Willingness to participate in partial shift operation and to work in controlled zones

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.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Michel Kenzelmann, phone +41 56 310 53 81.

Please submit your application online by 14 September 2026 for the position as a Group Leader Soft Matter (Index.-Nr. 3303-27621).

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