Context
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.
The Applied Science group (AS) brings together a diverse portfolio of instruments and activities dedicated to the investigation of real-world materials and devices under realistic operating conditions. Imaging is a core technique of the Applied Science group, complemented by strain scanning, irradiation facilities, and the Industrial Liaison Unit, which together provide a strong interface between fundamental research, applied science, and industrial users. The group supports a wide range of scientific and technological applications, particularly in materials science, energy technologies, and engineering systems.
A central instrument within the group is ThRILL, a thermal imaging instrument specifically designed for high-speed, operando studies of real-life components. ThRILL will enable time-resolved investigations of thermal and coupled thermo-mechanical processes under realistic working conditions, offering unique capabilities for both academic and industrial research. The instrument is currently entering construction and is expected to become operational by the end of the year.
You will participate in an international project within this framework, joining a team that includes an ILL/UGA Chair, senior scientists from HZB and ILL, and a broad group of experts in imaging, tomography, instrumentation, and data processing from several institutions. ILL is seeking an outstanding candidate to act as 'Instrument Responsible' for ThRILL, playing a key role in the final construction, commissioning, interdisciplinary scientific exploitation, and user support of this brand-new instrument. A strong background in imaging, experimental method development, and/or neutron-based techniques is expected.
Your tasks
Working within the Applied Science group in the field of Neutron Imaging, in addition to carrying out your own active research programme, you will be in charge of:
- Co-developing the new thermal imaging instrument ThRILL and attracting new users to employ its capabilities,
- Helping to manage ThRILL, participating both in its day-to-day running and technical development,
- Providing support to users for scientific experiments as Local Contact for ThRILL (as well as the other instruments, NeXT, MoTo and PorTo) and helping them collect data under optimal conditions,
- Promoting scientific partnerships in your field of research,
- Participating in the long-term development of sample environment and data analysis,
- Working within the neutron imaging team and with scientists and other ILL staff members to develop a strong scientific programme (including your own active research) using neutrons and imaging.
Your profile
- A PhD in Physics, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering or a similar background will be considered.
- You are competent in neutron and/or X-ray imaging, are interested in image processing/coding, and have a propensity for experimentation, including in-situ and operando testing in the field of materials science.
- You have strong written and oral communication skills and the desire to work in a team environment on scientifically challenging problems.
- You have experience in cold/thermal neutron or X-ray technique development.
This position represents an excellent opportunity for 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.
What we offer
Quality of life This position is based in Grenoble, a hub for research and technology, 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 stable 5-year fixed-term contract 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. For more details, visit https://www.ill.eu/careers/working-at-the-ill/employment-conditions
Sounds interesting?
Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal by 05.04.2026, quoting reference number 26/12. 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, including for work under ionising radiation, is required.
We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.