Experiment Support and Instrument Technician-ThRILL

Institut Laue-Langevin; France; Hybrid; EUR 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home working under conditions

Generous annual paid leave

Expatriation allowance

Excellent health cover

Relocation assistance

Language courses

Transport and staff canteen subsidies

Job summary

Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble seeks an Experiment Support and Instrument Technician for the ThRILL thermal neutron imaging instrument and TENIS irradiation instrument. You will ensure operation and maintenance, while collaborating with scientists and international users to run experiments.

The role requires a Level 4–6 qualification and 2+ years’ experience in precision assemblies, CAD proficiency, and the ability to work meticulously, both in teams and independently, within a multicultural

Qualifications

• Level 4–6 qualification in mechanical engineering, applied physics and instrumentation or equivalent.
• At least two years of professional experience in the same area.
• Experience in manufacture, assembly and alignment of precision mechanical, electronic and optical assemblies.
• Proficiency in CAD software and related computing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation and maintenance of ThRILL and TENIS instruments.
• Coordinate the work of ILL services involved in these activities.
• Assist scientists during experiments with ThRILL and TENIS, often with users.
• Propose and implement technical improvements with support from ILL services.
• Ensure compliance with ILL and instrument safety regulations, including radiation protection.
• Be a valued member of the Applied Science group and support colleagues and users.

Skills

CAD software

Team player

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

BTEC HNC/HND or undergraduate degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Experiment Support and Instrument Technician-ThRILL

Grenoble

The company

The ILL is an international research facility at the forefront of neutron science and technology. Its High-Flux Nuclear Reactor delivers the world’s most intense neutron beams to a suite of over 40 scientific instruments . Every year, some 1800 international researchers visit the ILL to carry out cutting-edge experiments across a range of scientific disciplines, driving innovation in the fields of health, energy, the environment and quantum materials. The ILL is also involved in the production of radioisotopes for medical applications. The ILL employs over 500 staff from 25 different countries, in a diversity of careers and a multicultural and inclusive environment.

The Science Division at ILL brings together close to 200 scientists, engineers, and technicians who work collaboratively to provide users with advanced experimental capabilities and expert scientific support. The DS is responsible by operating world-class neutron scattering instruments, supporting an international user community, conducting cutting-edge research, and developing new experimental techniques. In addition, the division drives the development of next-generation instrumentation and computational tools, fosters international collaborations, and contributes to advanced training.

About the position

Within the Applied Science group (AS, 18 people) of ILL’s Science Division, you will act as instrument technician for the new ThRILL thermal neutron imaging instrument, which will enter user operation in 2027, and TENIS, an irradiation instrument serving academic and industrial needs.

In this context, you will:

• Ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of ThRILL and TENIS, which are located in building ILL5, level C, at the reactor neutron source.
• Coordinate the work of ILL services involved in these activities.
• Assist the ILL scientists responsible for ThRILL and TENIS with the preparation and conducting of experiments, typically together with scientific and industrial users.
• Propose technical improvements and, where appropriate, implement these improvements with the assistance of ILL services.
• Help to ensure compliance with ILL and instrument safety regulations, in particular radiation protection regulations.
• Become a valued member of the Applied Science group and support your colleagues and users where needed and appropriate.

Desired profile

• You have a Level 4–6 qualification (e.g. BTEC HNC/HND, undergraduate degree or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, applied physics and instrumentation or equivalent.
• You have at least two years of professional experience in the same area.
• You have experience in the manufacture, assembly and alignment of precision mechanical, electronic and optical assemblies.
• You are proficient in the use of CAD software.
• Ideally, you also have some knowledge of computing, electronics and electricity to allow you to take part in other technical projects.
• You have a practical approach to your work and are keen to learn new skills.
• You are an excellent team player but are also capable of working independently on a wide variety of projects.
• You are able to work meticulously and provide support to in-house and visiting scientists.

Application requirements

Required document(s)

Position characteristics

Offer info

Published on 10/22/2026 Published until: 11/22/2026 Permanent contract Full time Experience preferred License not required HND, foundation degree or bachelor's degree Reference 26/50

To be defined according to profile

As soon as possible

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 secure permanent position based in Grenoble 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 information, please visit https://www.ill.eu/careers/working-at-the-ill/employment-conditionINDILL