Research Scientist: Ultra Cold Neutrons

Karlstad University; Grenoble; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading neutron research facility in Grenoble seeks a 'first Instrument Responsible' for the Ultra-Cold Neutron (UCN) source SuperSUN. Responsibilities include ensuring reliable operations, performing instrument characterizations, and developing scientific collaborations. Candidates need a PhD in physics, preferably in experimental nuclear or particle physics, alongside strong organizational skills and experience in scientific instrumentation. The role offers a stable 5-year contract with generous benefits and a focus on work-life balance.

Prestations

Generous annual paid leave

Home working options

Health cover

Relocation assistance

Annual productivity bonus

Language courses

Subsidies for cultural activities

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, preferably in experimental nuclear or particle physics.
• Strong interest in scientific instrumentation developments.
• Experience in UCN physics techniques such as neutron optics and cryogenics.

Responsabilités

• Manage the reliable operation of SuperSUN.
• Perform measurements for instrument characterization.
• Collaborate with users to optimize SuperSUN's performance.
• Pursue personal research programs and foster collaborations.

Connaissances

Curiosity in science and technology

Strong organizational skills

Experience in scientific instrumentation development

Knowledge of neutron optics

Cryogenics experience

Vacuum techniques knowledge

Formation

PhD in physics (experimental nuclear or particle physics)

Description du poste

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.

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 will have the opportunity to explore the scientific possibilities of world leading cold, very‑cold, and ultra‑cold neutron sources.

Responsibilities

• Assure a reliable operation of SuperSUN. This includes 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, has the goal 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 preparation of 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, 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 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 18.01.2026, quoting reference number 25/70, with a list of publications and the names of 3 referees, including one from your present workplace. Please note that all applicants are subject to administrative screening. For this post, medical fitness for work under ionising radiation is required.

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

2026-01-18 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
2026-01-18 23:59 (CET)

The Institut Laue-Langevin is an international research centre at the leading edge of neutron science and technology.