Research Engineer: Control systems management and development

Are you interested in working with control systems for an advanced laboratory environment, where we develop and test superconducting devices for the next generation of particle accelerators? We are an international team committed to providing the best support possible, both for local research activities and international research infrastructures that depend on superconducting accelerator technology. We are currently seeking a research engineer to contribute to this challenging and exciting work.

The position is placed at the FREIA laboratory, governed by the FREIA division under the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Physics and Astronomy is one of the largest departments of the university, with its more than 400 employees, and hosts research in many different fields of physics. At FREIA we do research and development on instrumentation and particle accelerators, in collaboration with international research networks as well as with large-scale research institutes like CERN in Switzerland and ESS in Sweden.

At the FREIA laboratory we design, build and test state-of-the-art equipment that will be used for frontline scientific research. As an example, the laboratory houses two large cryostats in which superconducting accelerating cavities or magnets are cooled down to extremely low temperatures, using liquid nitrogen and helium, while powering them with strong fields or currents under rigorous monitoring, in order to evaluate their performance.

This complex infrastructure depends on advanced control systems that require continuous maintenance and regular modifications or extensions to accommodate evolving requirements and new tasks, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to play a key role in shaping and enhancing these systems.

Duties
The work tasks include
• Operating and extending infrastructure (network devices, servers, PCs, PLC systems) for the control system
• Operation and development of software for the control system (EPICS)
• Integration of new I/O hardware and subsystems
• Maintenance of common services like archiver, alarm manager, electronic logbook, etc.
• Building graphical user interfaces
• Design, programming and operation of PLC based systems, mainly for the cryogenic and vacuum control
• Support web-based applications and services (installation, configuration and operation)
• Open, honest and frequent reporting of the work, orally as well as in writing, to colleagues in Uppsala and at other laboratories.
The listed duties outline the primary scope of the role; but may be adjusted to align with the needs o of the lab and the candidate’s specific qualifications and expertise.
Domestic and international travel is sometimes required, as well as occasional shift work.

Requirements
The applicant should have a university degree in computer science, software engineering, applied physics, or a related area, or have acquired the equivalent skills and competences through professional experience, relevant certifications or advanced training. You shall demonstrate a drive and determination to achieve results, be open minded and flexible in relation to the type of work assigned. You shall take responsibility for and organize multiple tasks simultaneously.

The following experience and competencies are required:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to read and understand technical information.
• Ability to communicate well both technically and non-technically.
• Good organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to produce good written work and reports.
To succeed in the work the candidate should have solid knowledge and experience from at least a few of the areas listed below:
• Software development and development toolchains
• High level language programming in one or more of the following Python, Java, C/C++
• Linux system administration
• Network administration
• Virtualization platforms
• PLC programming

Additional qualifications

A good oral and written proficiency in Swedish, as well as a genuine interest in scientific research and technology, is an advantage for the position. Experience with the EPICS control system is a merit.

About the employment

The employment is a permanent position (probationary period may be applied). Scope of employment 100%. Starting date February 1, 2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact:

• Konrad Gajewski, +46 (0)70 167 91 93, Konrad.Gajewski@physics.uu.se or
• Maja Olvegård, +46 (0)72 9999 627, maja.olvegard@physics.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 7 January 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3483.

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