Research Scientist: Ultra Cold Neutrons

Core mission

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.

Position Summary

Working within the Nuclear and Particle Physics (NPP) Group, you will be involved in the operation and optimisation 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 reliable operation of SuperSUN, managing and documenting interventions from various ILL services and ensuring compliance of the instrument.
• Perform measurements for instrument characterisation, develop new instrumentation for UCN transport, storage and spectroscopy; work on data acquisition, analysis and scientific evaluation.
• Collaborate with users to optimise performance of SuperSUN for specific scientific tasks, for example the current user experiment PanEDM which aims to measure the static electric dipole moment of the neutron with unprecedented accuracy.
• Pursue a personal research programme by developing own ideas, proposing experiments, fostering scientific collaborations and preparing scientific publications.
• Promote and support current and future experimental programmes.

Qualifications

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

Benefits

Quality of life: This position is based in Grenoble, a hub for research and technology, located in the heart of the French Alps. We offer home working under certain conditions, generous annual paid leave and a host of other benefits that you will discover upon arrival.

Prospects: We guarantee a stable 5‑year fixed‑term contract position in a multicultural scientific environment.

Other benefits: 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, staff canteen, holidays, and a variety of cultural and sports activities.

Contact

Contact the Head of the NPP group: Dr. Michael Jentschel – email: (do not send your application to this address).

Equal Opportunity Employer

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