Research Scientist SANS-SAXS & Reflectometry

Core mission

The Large Scale Structures (LSS) group comprises a range of instruments designed to carry out studies on the structure of matter on a scale of one to hundreds of nanometres. The range of science covered is very broad, from polymer and colloid science through structural molecular biology to materials science and magnetic phenomena.

We are looking for a scientist with a research interest in biological model lipid membrane systems in planar and vesicle geometry. The successful candidate will be assigned to the small-angle neutron scattering instrument D22 and to the SAXS instrument. The latter has only been commissioned for in-situ SANS/SAXS operation, and there are future plans to use the instrument offline, independent of D22 operation and reactor cycles, in a dedicated hutch on D22. Based on the field of research, the successful candidate must have an interest in bulk and interface research, which should translate into experiments using SANS, neutron reflectometry and/or neutron diffraction.

Your tasks

Working within the LSS Group while carrying out your own active research programme on model lipid membrane systems both in bulk and at interfaces, your duties will include:

• co-running the D22 SANS instrument, participating both in the day-to-day operation of the instrument as well as its technical development and upgrades;
• taking a leading role in the operation of the SAXS instrument available on D22, and in the development of dedicated sample environments;
• performing experiments on model membranes on the neutron reflectometers Figaro and D17;
• providing support to users for scientific experiments and offering guidance with data analysis;
• promoting scientific partnerships in your field of research;
• participating in the longer term development of instrumentation, sample environment and data analysis;
• developing and engaging in new collaborations with the ILL L-lab, our advanced natural lipid deuteration and purification facility in the Soft Matter Science and Support (SMSS) group, for solution scattering experiments as well as at interfaces.

Your profile

• PhD in physics, biophysics or physical chemistry;
• Experience in small-angle scattering is required. Additional experience in reflectometry and/or grazing-incidence small-angle scattering would be an advantage;
• We are particularly interested in highly motivated candidates with experience of research in model-membranes;
• General skills in method and/or software development would be an asset.

The post represents an excellent opportunity for young postdoctoral scientists to develop expertise, broaden their experience and interact with leading scientists from around the world. Applications from more experienced scientists able to obtain a secondment period from their home institution will also be considered.

Sounds interesting?

Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal by 28.05.2023, quoting reference number 23/19 with a list of publications and the names of 3 referees, including one from your present work place.

Please note that all applicants are subject to administrative screening (background checks). For this post, medical fitness for work under ionising radiation is required.

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

What we offer

Quality of life  A hub for research and technology, the city of Grenoble is ideally located in the heart of the French Alps (just 3 hours from Paris/Provence by train, 1 hour from Lyon international airport and 1 ½ hours from Geneva). It is important for us that our staff achieve a healthy work-life balance. We therefore offer home working (under certain conditions), generous annual paid leave entitlement and a host of other benefits that you will discover when you arrive!

Prospects: we guarantee you a secure 5-year scientist position in a multicultural scientific environment.

Benefits: we offer generous social benefits (expatriation allowance, excellent health cover), moving and relocation assistance (under certain conditions) and an annual productivity bonus. We also offer language courses for you and your partner and subsidies for the use of public transport and the staff canteen, as well as for holidays and a variety of cultural and sports activities.

Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) - operates Europe’s leading research facility for basic research with neutrons in Grenoble (France). The passion for progress and technology unites us and makes innovation in science and research possible every day. Let’s work together to change our society and our world for the better.