Scientist for the NANOSCOPIUM Beamline SOLEIL

Diamond Light Source Ltd; Saint-Aubin; Remote; EUR 48.000 - 72.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

SOLEIL invites applications for a scientist to join the NANOSCOPIUM beamline upgrade project on the Paris-Saclay plateau. The role focuses on cryo-frozen biological sample preparation and developing an endstation for high-resolution X-ray nano-imaging and phase-contrast mapping.

The successful candidate will join an existing team and will provide user support, conduct independent biology research, and help attract new collaborators in cell biology.

Qualifikationen

• PhD or equivalent degree with significant experience in cryo-frozen biological sample preparation.
• Proven aptitude for instrumental and methodological developments in scanning X-ray nano-imaging.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Aufgaben

• Maintain and develop NANOSCOPIUM beamline facilities, including endstations and optics.
• Develop biological sample preparation procedures for cryo-frozen samples for XRF nano-imaging.
• Provide scientific and technical support to external users and conduct an independent biology research program.
• Develop collaborations and attract new users in the field of cell biology.

Kenntnisse

Cryo-frozen sample prep

Biology

User support

X-ray imaging

Ausbildung

PhD or equivalent degree in biology

Tools

X-ray nano-imaging

Phase-contrast imaging

Jobbeschreibung

Mise à jour :: 24/09/2026
Reference: EXP-182

Located on the Paris-Saclay plateau, about 20 kilometers from the capital, the SOLEIL synchrotron is one of France’s leading research facilities. Since it began operating in 2008, it has served the national and international scientific communities. Research conducted at SOLEIL covers a wide range of scientific and industrial fields — including physics, biology, chemistry, materials science, environmental science, Earth sciences, and cultural and natural heritage — all connected to current societal challenges.

Experiments carried out on the beamlines rely on the use of synchrotron light emitted by electrons accelerated to nearly the speed of light within a storage ring. SOLEIL is jointly supervised by the CNRS and the CEA and offers its staff a dynamic, innovative, multidisciplinary, and international working environment.

At the forefront of technology, SOLEIL II is an ambitious project designed to provide new opportunities for scientific and industrial research. SOLEIL II consists of a major upgrade of the existing infrastructure and aims to significantly improve the performance of electron accelerators and beamlines. It is
designed to address major current and future societal challenges, particularly in areas such as advanced materials research, energy and sustainable development, health and well-being, and the environmnt.

Construction work on the SOLEIL II project began in 2024, marking the start of a phase of development and technological innovation. In parallel, the existing facility will remain operational until May 2029.

SOLEIL II is scheduled to start operations in 2030, with a gradual ramp-up phase continuing until 2035.

I. Context and mission

The NANOSCOPIUM beamline is presented on the : https:/www.synchrotron-soleil.fr/fr/lignes-de lumiere/nanoscopium
A permanent position (CDI) for a scientist is currently available. The successful candidate will join the existing team, which currently consists of two permanent beamline scientists, one technician, and students, apprentices, and postdoctoral researchers.

The wide range of scientific, methodological, and instrumental topics that can be investigated by the NANOSCOPIUM team makes it a highly stimulating working environment. For this position, we are looking for a candidate with expertise in biology, demonstrated proficiency in the preparation of cryo
frozen samples, an interest in instrumental developments, and a strong commitment to user support and service.

As a member of the beamline team, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following main
activities:

• Maintenance and development of the experimental facilities, including optical components and experimental endstations;
• Development of biological sample preparation procedures, particularly for cryo-frozen samples intended for scanning X-ray fluorescence (XRF) nano-imaging and for coupling with complementary techniques;
• Providing scientific and technical support to external users to help them successfully carry out their experiments;
• Conducting an independent research program in the field of biology.

II. Profile

In addition, the scientist will be responsible for developing, within the framework of the NANOSCOPIUM-II beamline upgrade project, a new experimental endstation dedicated to scanning X ray nano-imaging of cryo-frozen samples. This will involve ensuring the positioning accuracy and vibrational and thermal stability required to achieve very high-resolution (50 nm) 2D and/or 3D mapping using XRF and/or phase-contrast imaging.
The successful candidate will be involved in all scientific, technical, and methodological aspects of the
beamline team’s activities.

They will be encouraged to participate in the Biology and Health scientific section.
They will also be expected to develop collaborations and attract new users in the field of cell biology.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Maintaining the high level of attractiveness of NANOSCOPIUM/NANOSCOPIUM-II by promoting the existing instrumental facilities, particularly scanning X-ray nano-imaging techniques, and by proposing new instrumental or theoretical developments and/or new research directions;
• Developing an independent scientific research project, either independently or in collaboration with other researchers, preferably in the field of cell biology.

Candidates must hold a PhD or an equivalent degree and have significant experience in the preparation
of cryo-frozen biological samples, as well as demonstrated aptitude for instrumental and methodological developments in scanning X-ray nano-imaging.
As part of the SOLEIL II upgrade project, the successful candidate must be highly motivated to contribute to the NANOSCOPIUM-II beamline upgrade project.
Additional skills and experience in one or more of the following areas would be a major asset:

• Knowledge and experience in instrumentation and methodological development related to the study of biological samples at synchrotron facilities;
• Expertise in complementary sample preparation, imaging, and analytical techniques specifically dedicated to biological samples;
• Knowledge and experience in the field of radiation effects on biological samples;
• Basic knowledge of instrumentation;
• Ability to communicate with national and international cell biology communities;
• Languages: fluent written and spoken English.

Working knowledge of French is also desirable and will be considered an asset.

The position requires a high degree of autonomy, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, scientific curiosity, and strong analytical and synthesis skills.
For Managers: the salary range is indicative. For less than 5 years of experience or more than 15 years of experience, the salary may be lower or higher.

III. Working conditions

This position requires participation in the continuous operation and running of the facility, in the form of shifted working hours, representing approximately 15% of working time.

Benefits :

• 26 days of paid vacation + up to 2 additional split days + 23 RTT (reduction of working time) days per full year of work, based on a 40-hour work week.
• Mandatory health insurance (basic plan) costs €20.35 per month for the employee (with an employer contribution of €203.53 corresponding to 90% of the premium), covering household members (spouse/partner + children).
• We also offer an optional supplementary health plan for €28.43 per month covering your household (spouse/partner + children).
• Access to a provident scheme that supplements the benefits of the mandatory French Social Security system, which are often insufficient. It compensates for loss of income in case of inability to work, ensuring the standard of living of the insured and their family in difficult circumstances: death, incapacity for work, or disability resulting from illness or accident.
• Possibility to open a Time Savings Account (CET) after one year of seniority.
• On-site corporate catering at SOLEIL, with subsidized meals.
• Family-related benefits depending on individual situations: family allowance supplement, additional days off under certain circumstances, marriage and birth bonuses...