Research Scientist - Neutron Imaging

5-year fixed-term contract

Group's mission
The Large Scale Structures (LSS) group comprises a range of instruments designed to carry out studies on the structure of matter on a scale of fractions of to hundreds of nanometers. These include instruments for small-angle scattering, reflectometry, and diffraction from single crystals or one or two-dimensionally ordered materials. The range of science covered is very broad, from polymer and colloid science through structural molecular biology to materials science and magnetic phenomena.
The group has recently started two new public imaging beamlines using cold neutrons, NeXT and MoTo, the result of an ambitious upgrade project which is now in the execution phase. These instruments will provide a panoply of imaging techniques from polarised neutrons to simultaneous x-ray/neutron imaging with unique capabilities, also thanks to the high neutron flux at ILL.
You will participate in an international project joining a team including an ILL/UGA Chair, senior scientists from HZB and ILL, as well as a broad team of neutron, tomography and data processing experts from several institutions. ILL is looking for an outstanding person to add to this team, with a strong imaging and/or neutron background.

Your tasks
Working within the LSS group in the field of Neutron Imaging, in addition to carrying out your own active research programme, you will be in charge of:
- Co-developing the new monochromatic imaging instrument MoTo, and attracting new users to employ its capabilities,
- Helping to manage MoTo/NeXT, participating both in their day-to-day running and technical development,
- Providing support to users for scientific experiments as Local Contact for MoTo and NeXT and helping them collect data under optimal conditions,
- Promoting scientific partnerships in your field of research,
- Participating in the longer term development of sample environment and data analysis,
- Working within the neutron imaging team and with scientists and other ILL staff members to develop a strong scientific programme using neutron imaging.

Your profile
- PhD in Physics, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or similar background will be considered.
- You are competent in neutron and/or x-ray imaging and are interested in image processing/coding and have a propensity for experimentation, including in-situ and operando testing in the field of materials sciences.
- You have strong written and oral communication skills and the desire to work in a team environment on scientifically challenging problems.
- You have experience in cold/thermal neutron or x-ray technique development.

This position represents an excellent opportunity for young postdoctoral scientists to develop expertise, broaden their 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 A hub for research and technology, the city of Grenoble is 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 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.

Sounds interesting?
Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal by 10.11.2024, quoting reference number 24/42 with a list of publications and the names of 3 referees, including one from your present work place.

We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) - operates Europe's leading research facility for basic research with neutrons in Grenoble (France). The passion for progress and technology unites us and makes innovation in science and research possible every day. Let's work together to change our society and our world for the better.