Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Physics of Very Slow Neutrons

The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe’s leading research facility for fundamental research using neutrons. The ILL operates the brightest neutron source in the world, reliably delivering intense neutron beams to 40 unique scientific instruments. The Institute welcomes over 2000 visits of scientists per year to carry out world-class research in solid-state physics, crystallography, soft matter, biology, chemistry and fundamental physics. Funded primarily by its three founder members: France, Germany and the United Kingdom, the ILL has also signed scientific collaboration agreements with 11 other countries. The Science Division currently has a vacancy: Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Physics of Very Slow Neutrons

The main objective of this position is to advance the field of physics with very slow neutrons with a focus on development of instrumentation for production of Very Cold Neutrons (VCNs) and experiments on production and storage of Ultra Cold Neutrons (UCNs). It includes a contribution to the European project CREMLINplus with the main mission to connect Russian and European large-scale research infrastructures, wherein ILL is member of a collaborative effort with the goal to develop a prototype of a VCN source. This source, based on novel moderation materials surrounded by a VCN reflector, is to be demonstrated in experiments with neutrons. In addition, new concepts of UCN storage are to be explored experimentally, with direct impact on various UCN flagship experiments and potentially enabling new scientific projects. The successful candidate will also co-advice PhD students and research interns in their scientific projects on these and closely related topics.

Duties

Working within our Nuclear Particles Physics (NPP) group, your research program will be focused on

• Contributing to an ongoing development of a demonstrator for VCN production, based on a new cryogenic device for cooling moderator materials to below 1.5 K.
• Preparing and performing experiments on VCN production and transport using the new device at ILL’s neutron beam facilities, analysing the data obtained from these experiments.
• Contributing to ongoing investigations of novel materials and developments of new methods and tools for production of VCNs and UCNs.
• Co-advising PhD students.
• Publishing the results from the experimental works.

Qualifications and experience

A strong physics background and interest in development of cutting-edge instrumentation is a prerequisite of highly motivated candidates with a PhD in experimental nuclear or particle physics. Practical experience in working with slow neutrons and a firm knowledge in low-energy particle physics and neutron optics would be advantageous.

Language skills

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must have a sound knowledge of English and be willing to learn French (a language course will be paid for by the ILL). Knowledge of German would be an advantage. 

Notes

This post is located in Grenoble, France and can be subject to administrative screening.

Starting date is ideally September 2021.

Post-Doctoral contract of 18 months, renewable for a further 18-month period. Only candidates holding a PhD obtained less than 2 years ago are eligible for post-doctoral positions at ILL.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Oliver Zimmer,
tel.: +33(0)4.76.20.74.29, e-mail: zimmer@ill.eu  (please do not send your application to this address).

Benefits

Generous company benefits (expatriation allowance), relocation assistance and language courses may be offered (for more information, please consult our employment conditions).

How to apply

Please submit your application on line with a list of publications and the names of 3 references, including one from your present work place, no later than 13.06.2021, via our website: https://www.ill.eu/careers (Vacancy reference: 21/23).