Group Leader Soft Matter

The Paul Scherrer Institut seeks a Group Leader for Soft Matter in Villigen. This senior, on-site tenure-track role combines scientific direction with personnel management and user support at the SINQ facility.

The Paul Scherrer Institut is looking for a leader to guide the Soft Matter Group through scientific and personnel oversight. This position serves as a Tenure Track appointment, starting with an initial three-year contract, aimed at advancing research in soft matter and related biological fields using neutron instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and personnel leadership for the Soft Matter Group.
• Assist users conducting experiments at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source (SINQ).
• Drive the scientific and technical advancement of soft matter instruments at SINQ.
• Attract and support users from industrial and applied research sectors.
• Secure and manage third-party funded projects focused on research, methods, and instrumentation.
• Create and execute the group’s long-term strategy alongside the laboratory head and leadership team.
• Conduct independent research in soft matter, biology, or adjacent areas using SINQ neutron tools.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present work at global conferences.
• Mentor and develop students, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers, including delivering lectures and practical courses.

Requirements

• Hold a university degree in natural sciences or engineering, including a PhD.
• Demonstrate an internationally recognized profile in soft matter research utilizing scattering or imaging techniques.
• Show experience in scientific leadership, personnel management, and overseeing research or instrumentation projects.
• Have a track record of acquiring and leading third-party funded projects.
• Possess a solid grasp of user operations at large-scale research facilities and a strong interest in collaborating with academic and industrial partners.
• Exhibit excellent communication and leadership abilities within international, interdisciplinary settings.
• Maintain a very good command of English and possess German language skills, or show willingness to improve them.
• Be prepared to participate in partial shift operations and work within controlled zones.

What the company offers

• Access to systematic on-the-job training, personal development opportunities, and a strong vocational training culture.
• Support for balancing work with family life or personal interests through modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure.

About the company

The Paul Scherrer Institut fosters an environment built on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration among its researchers and staff.

• Emphasis on interdisciplinary and innovative collaboration.
• Dynamic work environment supporting professional growth.