Post-doc (f/m) on beamline ID10-SURF in the X-ray Diffraction and Scattering Group

Organisation/Company European Synchrotron Radiation Facility Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 5 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number PDID10-2/PD20H Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

You will participate in the operation of the beamline and its ongoing in-house research programmes, provide support to external users as local contact, and develop your own research programme focused on the interactions between biological membrane mimics at liquid interfaces and macromolecules (including polymers and proteins), using X-ray surface scattering techniques. Together with the beamline scientists, you will contribute to developing advanced, chemically and physically consistent data analysis strategies for surface X-ray scattering data, as well as sample cells specific to the beamline.

The ID10 surface scattering station is dedicated to studies of hard and soft condensed matter surfaces and interfaces using X-ray reflectivity (XRR), grazing incidence WAXS and SAXS, and complementary methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). A key feature of the station is the double crystal deflector (DCD), enabling studies of liquid surfaces including buried interfaces. The beamline is equipped with a range of sample environments, including a Langmuir trough and a reactor for chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth of 2D materials on liquid metal catalysts (LMCat). Current in-house research topics include Langmuir films mimicking cell membranes, the assembly of nanoparticles at liquid interfaces, and catalysis (CVD growth of 2D materials on LMCat, and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis).

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field, obtained within the last 3 years.
• Strong aptitude for instrumentation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of research topics relevant to surface science, liquid surfaces, soft matter, or solid-state physics.
• Experience applying scattering techniques (X-ray or neutron) to soft matter or related systems; basic knowledge of scattering data modelling is essential.
• Data analysis skills and programming experience in Python or MATLAB.
• Ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary staff and facility users.

Working conditions

Contract of 18 months, renewable for a further 6 to 18-month period.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

What we offer:

• Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
• Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
• Come and live in a vibrant city , in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022
• Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
• Benefit from ourcompetitive compensation and allowances package , including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

Company description

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 19 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.