Group Leader Soft Matter

The Paul Scherrer Institute seeks a Group Leader for Soft Matter in Villigen. This tenure-track role involves leading a research group, managing SINQ instruments, and supervising staff within Switzerland's largest natural sciences institute.

Based in the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging, this tenure-track position offers scientific and personnel leadership of the Soft Matter Group. The appointee will drive an independent research program, develop instrumentation at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source (SINQ), and collaborate closely with laboratory leadership to define long-term strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and managerial oversight for the Soft Matter Group.
• Assist users during experiments conducted at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source (SINQ).
• Advance the scientific and technical capabilities of soft matter instruments located at SINQ.
• Engage with industry and applied research entities to support their usage of facilities.
• Secure and administer third-party funded projects focused on research, methods, and instrumentation.
• Formulate and execute the group’s long-term strategy in partnership with the laboratory head and leadership team.
• Conduct independent research in soft matter, biology, or adjacent disciplines utilizing neutron tools.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed journals and presentations at global conferences.
• Mentor and train students, doctoral candidates, and early-career scientists, including delivering lectures and practical sessions.

Requirements

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

What the company offers

• Access to systematic on-the-job training, personal development opportunities, and a strong vocational training culture.
• Modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure designed to help balance work with family or personal interests.
• A tenure-track appointment starting with an initial three-year contract.

About the company

The Paul Scherrer Institute stands as Switzerland’s largest research center for natural and engineering sciences. It fosters an interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaborative environment. The institution is deeply committed to educating future generations, with approximately one quarter of its workforce comprising post-docs, post-graduates, or apprentices.

• Emphasis on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration.
• Strong commitment to training the next generation of scientists, with a significant portion of staff being post-docs, post-graduates, or apprentices.

How to apply

Documents to submit:

• Application