Research Engineer in Materials Science and Strain Measurements using Neutron Diffraction

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 more than 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 for a Research Engineer in Materials Science and Strain Measurements using Neutron Diffraction.

SALSA is an instrument dedicated to non-destructive strain measurements within small and large objects. ILL scientists and the Industry Liaison Office teamed up with partners in Europe to build the EASISTRESS (H2020 funded) project –led by the Danish Technological Institute. EASISTRESS overall aims to strengthen industrial access and uptake of non-destructive synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction-based residual stress characterization tools by validation against accepted destructive techniques and development of protocols, in collaboration with industry.

Duties

As a member of our Diffraction Group, your aim is to design methods and algorithms capable of handling and processing complex set of data extracted from the SALSA instrument and additional synchrotron and neutron diffraction-based stress measurement techniques, in order to make them easily exploitable for industrial researchers (e.g. data that can be merged with simulated data).

Your main duties will be:

• Definition of a common framework (in terms of algorithms for signal and data processing, including calibration steps) for the various neutron and synchrotron based techniques that provide stress measurements.
• Design and development of efficient algorithms capable to process data (from raw data to results including errors analysis) for the techniques involved and cases relevant for EASISTRESS. This work will be based on former work achieved for neutron diffraction (VAMAS-TS165, ISO 21432:2019, Sine2020 and Brightness2) and aim to extend the framework to the various synchrotron and laboratory-x-ray set-ups. The interoperability of protocols and algorithms will be demonstrated using round-robin tests.

Qualifications and experience

• PhD in physics or material science with strong computing skills using Python. A minimum of one year experience after the PhD is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience in neutron instrumentation and experimentation is essential. Experience in other neutron sources or analytical research infrastructure is desirable.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical properties characterization techniques.
• Teamwork spirit and autonomy will ensure success. Adequate communication skills to co-ordinate with project partners across Europe.

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 position is a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2023.
• Medical fitness for work under ionizing radiation is required.
• This post is located in Grenoble, France, and subject to administrative screening.
• Further information can be obtained by contacting Caroline Boudou, Industrial Liaison Unit, phone: +33(0)4 76 20 72 09, e-mail boudou@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 three references, including one from your present work place, no later than 22 November 2020, via our website www.ill.eu/careers (Vacancy reference: 20/52).