Research Scientist: Ultra Cold Neutrons

Overview

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

Quality of life: this position is based in Grenoble, a hub for research and technology, located in the heart of the French Alps (just 3 hours from Paris/Provence by train, 1 hour from Lyon international airport and 1½ hours from Geneva). We are committed to a healthy work‑life balance and therefore offer home working under certain conditions, generous annual paid leave entitlement and a host of other benefits you will discover when you arrive.

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

Other benefits: we offer 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, the staff canteen and for holidays and a variety of cultural and sports activities. For more details, visit

Equality and Diversity

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