Project Coordinator – EU Programme (PRIME-ARI)

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. Our goal is to become the brightest source of neutrons for science and technology and be operational by the end of this decade. A state-of-the-art suite of neutron scattering instruments will be made available to address a wide range of scientific fields in fundamental and materials science. Powered by the world’s most advanced linear proton accelerator, ESS will enable cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, health, and the environment for decades to come. 

Join us in shaping the future of science - from the ground up. 

The ESS Administration Directorate invites applications for a Project Coordinator position for the Horizon Europe project PRIME-ARI (Professionalisation and Innovation in Management and Engineering for Analytical Research Infrastructures). PRIME-ARI is a recently awarded European collaborative project coordinated by ESS and focused on strengthening the operational excellence, sustainability, and long-term impact of analytical Research Infrastructures across Europe. 

The project brings together leading European research infrastructures and stakeholders to develop and deliver structured training programmes for RI personnel. Through a series of courses organised within Management and Engineering modules, the project aims to address key skills and capability gaps across the Physical Sciences and Engineering RI landscape. 

About the role: 

ESS is seeking an organised, collaborative, and proactive Project Coordinator to lead the coordination and implementation of the PRIME-ARI project. In this role, you will act as the main interface with the European Commission and consortium partners, ensuring high-quality project delivery in line with the Grant Agreement, Description of Action (DoA), and project objectives. 

You will play a central role in coordinating project governance, reporting, communication, training activities, and stakeholder engagement across a diverse European consortium. The position requires strong organisational and communication skills, as well as experience working with EU-funded collaborative projects. 

Day-to-day, you will: 

• Act as Project Coordinator for the EU-funded collaborative research and innovation project, ensuring delivery in line with contractual obligations and project objectives 

• Serve as the primary contact point with the European Commission and ensure timely and accurate communication 

• Coordinate consortium activities, meetings, reporting, and follow-up actions across project partners 

• Oversee project implementation, timelines, deliverables, milestones, and risk management 

• Support financial monitoring and ensure compliance with Horizon Europe rules and reporting requirements 

• Coordinate the design, development, and implementation of hybrid and physical training programmes, schools, and curricula aligned with project objectives on professionalisation and skills development 

• Coordinate communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities together with work package leaders and consortium partners 

• Contribute to building long-term impact, collaboration, and capacity development across European Research Infrastructures 

About you: 

• University degree in public or business administration, European studies, education sciences, social sciences, media studies or other relevant field.  

• Experience coordinating EU-funded projects, ideally within Horizon Europe or H2020 programmes 

• Strong stakeholder management skills across academia, industry, and/or the public sector 

• Solid financial literacy, including experience with project budgets, eligibility rules, and audits 

• Excellent organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple activities and stakeholders simultaneously 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international environment 

• Willingness to travel occasionally within Europe 

Desirable experience: 

• Experience with multi-country and multi-institution governance structures 

• Existing network within European Research Infrastructures or the EU funding ecosystem 

Duration & Location 

The position is a fixed-term role linked to the PRIME-ARI project (30 months starting 1 October 2026). The workplace will be situated at the ESS campus in Lund, Sweden. Occasional international travel is expected. 

To apply:  

A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as monthly pension contributions on top of your salary. 

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.  

We will review applications on an ongoing basis and encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The latest date of application will be on June 21, 2026. First round of interviews (via Zoom) is planned to take place on July 1-3, 2026 and second round of interviews (onsite) are planned for July 27-31, 2026.  

For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Louise Jönegård on louise.jonegard@ess.eu or Florian Weissbach on mailto:florian.weissbach@ess.eu.  

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias on mailto:nuno.elias@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:marc.kickulies@ess.eu