Experiment Support & Instrument Technician
Permanent position
Core mission
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 and hosts over 2000 visits by scientists per year, who come to carry out world-class research.
You will act as technical contact for the instruments MoTo and PorTo within the Applied Science group and you will collaborate with the other technicians of the group. You will work closely with the scientists in charge of the instruments (experimental stations) you will be assigned to. MoTo and PorTo are two imaging instruments. Depending on the needs of the different instruments, you may be asked to work in parallel on other instruments within the group.
Your tasks
Within the Applied Science group, working in close collaboration with the instrument team, you will have the following duties:
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 and hosts over 2000 visits by scientists per year, who come to carry out world-class research.
You will act as technical contact for the instruments MoTo and PorTo within the Applied Science group and you will collaborate with the other technicians of the group. You will work closely with the scientists in charge of the instruments (experimental stations) you will be assigned to. MoTo and PorTo are two imaging instruments. Depending on the needs of the different instruments, you may be asked to work in parallel on other instruments within the group.
Your tasks
Within the Applied Science group, working in close collaboration with the instrument team, you will have the following duties:
- Carry out maintenance, troubleshooting and repair work on the instruments and associated equipment
- Take part in technical projects on the instruments, such as sample environments
- Produce drawings (in SolidWorks), tune equipment and maintain technical documentation
- Perform conventional machining operations such as lathing and milling
- Assist instrument scientists and visiting scientists with the preparation of their experiments and advise instrument users on technical matters concerning sample environment and instrumentation during experiments
- Participate in the design and development of equipment for MoTo, PorTo and other instruments of the Applied Science group in collaboration with other ILL services
- Ensure compliance with instrument safety regulations, in particular those relating to nuclear safety.
Your profile
- You have a Level 4/5 qualification (e.g. BTEC, HNC/HND or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, applied physics and instrumentation or equivalent, with at least two years of professional experience in the area.
- You have experience in the manufacture, assembly and alignment of precision mechanical and optical assemblies.
- You are proficient in the use of CAD software.
- Ideally, you also have some knowledge of computing, electronics and electricity to allow you to take part in other technical projects.
- You have a practical approach to your work and are keen to learn new skills.
- You are capable of working independently on a wide variety of projects.
- You possess the necessary interpersonal skills to work with in-house and visiting scientists.
What we offer |
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Quality of life
This position is based in Grenoble. 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! |
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Prospects
We guarantee you a secure permanent position based in Grenoble in a multicultural scientific environment. |
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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 information, please 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 28/09/2025, quoting reference number 25/52. 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.
The interviews will take place during the week of 03/11/2025.
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.
The interviews will take place during the week of 03/11/2025.
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.
