Researcher in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy (cryo-PALM) H/F

Cea - Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique; Grenoble; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Canteen/meal vouchers

Transport costs covered

Grenoble living environment

Job summary

CEA Grenoble is seeking a Researcher in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy (cryo-PALM). The role focuses on developing the cryo-PALM microscope, optimizing optical paths, and enabling reliable cryogenic sample transfers between fluorescence and electron microscopy within a three-year fixed-term project (ANR EPIC).

You will work with biology and cryo-EM experts, validate protocols, and contribute to the correlative cryo-PALM/cryo-ET workflow ensuring cryogenic

Qualifications

• PhD in optics, photonics, experimental physics or optical instrumentation is required.
• Hands-on experience designing, aligning and optimising optical or microscopy setups.
• Familiarity with fluorescence and super-resolution imaging and cryogenic instrumentation is a plus.
• Programming and quantitative data analysis skills are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise the cryo-PALM microscope and optical paths.
• Improve illumination/ acquisition strategies for cryo-FIB lamellae and localization precision.
• Create procedures for vitrified-sample transfers keeping cryogenic conditions.
• Calibrate and assess the correlative cryo-PALM/cryo-ET workflow with other specialists.

Skills

experimental optics

photonics

optical instrumentation

microscopy

programming

data analysis

Education

PhD in optics/photonics/experimental physics/optical instrumentation

Job description

Researcher in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy (cryo-PALM) H/F

Category

Optics and Optronics

Job title

Researcher in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy (cryo-PALM) H/F

Executive

36

Would you like to develop optical instrumentation and methods for microscopy at very low temperatures? Join us as a researcher on a three-year fixed-term contract within the ANR EPIC project. You will investigate and optimise a cryo-PALM microscope and develop reliable cryogenic sample transfers between fluorescence and electron microscopy at IBS/IRIG!

As a researcher, your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and evaluate optical improvements to the cryo-PALM microscope: excitation and emission paths, photon collection efficiency, spatial sampling, optical alignment and quantitative point spread function (PSF) characterisation.
• Investigate and optimise illumination and acquisition strategies for cryo-FIB lamellae: spatially targeted activation/excitation, control of sample heating and improved single-molecule localisation precision.
• Develop and validate procedures for transferring vitrified samples between cryo-FIB/SEM, cryo-PALM and cryo-electron microscopy, maintaining cryogenic conditions and limiting contamination and deformation of the lamellae.
• Establish calibration methods and assess the performance of the correlative cryo-PALM/cryo-ET workflow with cryo-EM and image processing specialists; contribute to the evaluation of fluorescent proteins within the project.

We primarily seek a specialist in experimental optics or photonics with a PhD in optics, photonics, experimental physics, optical instrumentation or a related field. Hands-on experience designing, aligning and optimising optical or microscopy setups is essential. Knowledge of biophysics or biological applications is an asset; you will work closely with specialists in biology and cryo-EM. Prior PALM or cryo-EM experience is welcome but is not required.

Technical skills

• Strong expertise in experimental optics, photonics and optical instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience designing, aligning, optimising and quantitatively characterising optical or microscopy setups.
• Knowledge of fluorescence microscopy, super-resolution imaging, cryogenic instrumentation or biological applications would be an asset.
• Programming and quantitative experimental data analysis skills would be an asset.

Interpersonal skills

• Independence, scientific rigour and good organisational skills.
• Initiative, scientific curiosity and the ability to propose solutions to experimental challenges.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Good communication skills and the ability to share scientific results.

Language skills

Good command of spoken and written scientific English to work in an international environment.
Knowledge of French is welcome but is not essential.

By joining the Grenoble Interdisciplinary Institute, you’ll be part of a dynamic and innovative research environment where you’ll have the opportunity to learn, grow and play a key role within a centre of excellence.

You may be interested in the benefits that come alongside your main role:

A cutting-edge research ecosystem dedicated to topics of significant societal importance.
Training to enhance your skills and boost your career.
A staff committee offering a wealth of social, cultural and sporting benefits.
Practical benefits: staff canteen/meal vouchers, 85% of transport costs covered, and much more.
An exceptional living environment in Grenoble, nestled in the mountains, offering a unique balance between city life and nature.

In line with the CEA’s commitments to the integration of people with disabilities, this role is open to everyone. The CEA offers adjustments and/or organisational arrangements to facilitate the inclusion of disabled workers

Site

Grenoble

Location

Grenoble

Languages

• French (Intermediate)

Requester

01/02/2027

Organisation

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :

• defence and security
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion)
• technological research for industry
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences

Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.

The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France

The CEA's Fundamental Research Division (DRF) employs more than 5,000 people on four sites and conducts research in the physical, chemical, biological and environmental sciences, using cutting-edge technologies and instruments

Based at the Grenoble site, the Department of Integrated Structural and Cellular Biology (DBSCI) at the IRIG (Grenoble Interdisciplinary Research Institute) is fully aligned with the DRF's scientific strategy.

The DBSCI department comprises two units:

• The Cell and Plant Physiology Laboratory studies the functional organisation of the cell, particularly the plant cell. This research, conducted at both the molecular and cellular levels, is then placed within the context of the whole plant during its development. The effects of fluctuating environmental conditions are investigated. All this work aims to provide a better understanding of cellular mechanisms, notably metabolic pathways or processes of cell division and morphogenesis, at the cellular and tissue levels.
• The IBS (Institute of Structural Biology) structures its research around three main areas. The first area concerns infectious diseases and molecular medicine, and focuses on research in structural and functional microbiology and virology, host-pathogen interactions and immunity, transcriptional regulation and DNA repair. The second research area focuses on signalling and membrane transport; this area involves the development of methods for biochemistry, structural biology and the engineering of membrane proteins. The third area aims to push the boundaries of biophysics and chemistry applications in structural biology by developing new methodological approaches.

Reference

2026-42503