Head PSI Center for Neutron and Muon Sciences (CNM)
Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
Publication date:
14 December 2024Workload:
100%Contract type:
Permanent position- Place of work:Villigen PSI
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. We design, build and operate the country’s large-scale research infrastructures and perform cutting-edge research programs in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By providing access to world-leading instrumentation and performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy.
The Director of PSI is looking for the head of one of its leading research centers
The center operates three national infrastructures for neutron and muon research (SINQ, SmS) as well as for particle physics (CHRISP), supports users from academia and industry, and has its own ambitious research program. CNM consists of around 250 staff at all science, technical and educational levels in five laboratories (particle physics (LTP), neutron scattering and imaging (LNS), muon spin spectroscopy (LMU), neutron and muon instrumentation (LIN) and multiscale materials (LMX)). CNM is responsible for major international engagements e.g. with CERN, Institut Laue-Langevin ILL, and European Spallation Source ESS, and strategic initiatives such as the new PSI Quantum Matter and Materials Discovery Center. It plans a major upgrade project IMPACT (for enhanced muon and medical isotope production).
The center head will be nominated as member of the PSI executive board and will report directly to the PSI director. The successful and suitable candidate will be appointed as professor at ETH Zurich, EPFL, or a university.
Your tasks
- Provide clear vision and strong leadership for CNM as one of the globally leading centers for neutron and muon sciences.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for the CNM national infrastructures, science and technology programs in accordance with the overall PSI and ETH Domain strategy, national priorities, and international engagements.
- Liaise with key user groups from academia and industry and leaders of other neutron and muon facilities. Strengthen links with Swiss universities.
- Enable leading neutron and muon technology development. Represent the field and PSI in national and international collaborations and initiatives.
- Develop fundamental and mission-driven research jointly with other PSI Centers, institutions of the ETH Domain, and national and international partners.
- Further encourage the use of the CNM facilities by industry. Promote knowledge transfer through the development and the exploitation of intellectual property.
- Lead in the acquisition of third-party funding for research and facilities.
- Lead a personal research program including some engagement in teaching.
Your profile
- Outstanding international recognition as scientist and proven track-record of scientific achievements in a field relevant for CNM.
- Extensive experience as user or developer of large-scale facilities and ability to initiate and lead national and international collaborations and networks.
- Ability to initiate and co-develop scientific and technical programs for CNM and PSI. Experience and proven ability in the leadership of large teams and technical projects.
- Proven record of successful acquisition of external funding for example for academic research, instrumentation or projects with industry.
- Educational experience (student supervision, teaching).
- Excellent leadership and communication skills and motivation to continuously develop those.
We offer
Our institute is part of the ETH-Domain including ETH Zurich and EPFL, and national laboratories PSI, Empa, WSL, and Eawag. We value interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration and offer internationally competitive salary and pension. We encourage applications from a diverse background.
Further information on the position and CNM can be obtained from the director, Prof. Dr. Christian Rüegg, E-Mail schreiben and the contact in HR.
Please submit your application online by 17 January 2025 (including a letter, CV with list of projects and publications, research and technology vision, and contact details of references) (index no. 3000-00).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Melanie Rapisarda-Bellwald, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland