Research Scientist: Ultra Cold Neutrons

Physics World; Grenoble; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research facility in Grenoble is seeking an Instrument Responsible for the Ultra-Cold Neutron source, SuperSUN. This role involves ensuring reliable operation, performing instrument measurements, and collaborating on scientific tasks. Applicants should have a PhD in physics and a strong background in scientific instrumentation. The position offers a 5-year fixed-term contract, generous benefits, and the opportunity for a personal research program. Join us in the vibrant research community of Grenoble.

Prestations

Generous annual paid leave

Expatriation allowance

Excellent health cover

Language courses

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, preferably in experimental nuclear or particle physics.
• Solid experience in developments of scientific instrumentation.
• Experience in special techniques related to UCN physics is welcome.

Responsabilités

• Ensure reliable operation of SuperSUN including management of interventions.
• Perform measurements for instrument characterization and analysis.
• Collaborate with users for optimizing SuperSUN performance.
• Develop ideas for personal research program and prepare publications.
• Promote and support current and future experimental programs.

Connaissances

High motivation

Curiosity in science and technology

Strong organizational skills

Experience in scientific instrumentation

Interest in UCN physics techniques

Formation

PhD in physics

Description du poste

Job Details

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 2,000 visits by scientists who come to the Institute to carry out world‑class research.

Working within the Nuclear and Particle Physics (NPP) Group, you will be involved in the operation and optimization of the new Ultra‑Cold Neutron (UCN) source SuperSUN as its first Instrument Responsible. You have the opportunity to explore the scientific possibilities of world‑leading cold, very‑cold, and ultra‑cold neutron sources.

Your tasks

• Assure a reliable operation of SuperSUN, including management and documentation of interventions from different ILL services and assuring compliance of the instrument.
• Perform measurements for instrument characterization, develop new instrumentation for UCN transport, storage and spectroscopy; work on data acquisition, analysis and scientific evaluation.
• Collaborate with users to optimize the performance of SuperSUN for specific scientific tasks. The current user experiment, PanEDM, aims to measure the static electric dipole moment of the neutron with unprecedented accuracy.
• Pursue a personal research program by developing own ideas, proposing experiments, fostering scientific collaborations, and preparing scientific publications.
• Promote and support current and future experimental programs.

Your profile

• PhD in physics, preferably in experimental nuclear or particle physics.
• High motivation, curiosity in science and technology, and strong organizational skills.
• Solid experience and strong interest in developments of scientific instrumentation.
• Experience in special techniques related to the scope of UCN physics (neutron optics, cryogenics, characterization of surfaces, vacuum techniques, etc.) would be highly welcome.

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 1½ hours from Geneva). 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), an annual productivity bonus, language courses for you and your partner, subsidies for public transport and 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 18.01.2026, quoting reference number 25/70. All applicants are subject to administrative screening. For this post, medical fitness for work under ionising radiation is required.

Equal Opportunities

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