Context
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research facility for scientific research using neutrons. Every year, we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to the Institute to carry out world-class research.
The LSS group comprises a range of instruments designed to carry out studies on the structure of matter on a scale of one to hundreds of nanometers and up to microns. The range of science covered is broad, from polymer and colloid science through structural biology, materials science and magnetism.
Your tasks
Working within the LSS Group in the field of Neutron Reflectometry while carrying out your own active research programme on biophysical or soft matter systems at interfaces, you will be in charge of:
- co-running the D17 reflectometer participating both in the day-to-day operation of the instrument as well as its technical development and upgrades,
- providing support to users for scientific experiments and offering guidance with data analysis,
- promoting scientific partnerships in your field of research,
- participating in the longer term development of instrumentation, sample environment and data analysis
Your profile
- Ph.D. in physics, biophysics or physical chemistry.
- Experience of research in soft matter or biological systems at solid/liquid interfaces.
- General skills in method and/or software development would be an asset.
- As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must have a sound knowledge of English and be willing to learn French (a language course will be paid for by the ILL).
The post represents an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist to develop expertise, broaden experience and interact with leading scientists from around the world. Applications from more experienced scientists able to obtain a secondment period from their home institution will also be considered.
What we offer
Quality of life This position is based in Grenoble, a hub for research and technology, ideally located in the heart of the French Alps (just 3 hours from Paris/Provence by train, 1 hour from Lyon international airport and 1 ½ hours from Geneva). It is important for us that our staff achieve a healthy work-life balance. We therefore offer home working (under certain conditions), generous annual paid leave entitlement and a host of other benefits that you will discover when you arrive!
Prospects We guarantee you a stable 5-year fixed-term contract position in a multicultural scientific environment.
Benefits We offer generous social benefits (expatriation allowance, excellent health cover), moving and relocation assistance (under certain conditions) and an annual productivity bonus. We also offer language courses for you and your partner and subsidies for the use of public transport and the staff canteen, as well as for holidays and a variety of cultural and sports activities. For more details, visit https://www.ill.eu/careers/working-at-the-ill/employment-conditions
Sounds interesting?
Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal by 30.08.2026, quoting reference number 26/33 with a list of publications and the names of 3 referees, including one from your present work place. Please note that all applicants are subject to administrative screening. For this post, medical fitness for work under ionising radiation and that medical fitness is required.
We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.