PostDoc in Experimental Nuclear Physics
2-year fixed-term contract (renewable for a maximum of 2 years)
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.
FIPPS is a high-resolution HPGe array placed around a thermal neutron beam. It allows to perform prompt nuclear spectroscopy experiments on different stable (rare) and radioactive targets following neutron-induced reactions. Fission experiments are of particular interest as they allow to study both - the properties of neutron-rich nuclei and the fission mechanism itself. Such experiments rely nowadays on the selectivity provided by multiple gamma-ray coincidences. Extensive experimental programmes using different actinide targets are foreseen at the FIPPS instrument. The possibility of fission tagging and fission-fragment selectivity is also under investigation.
Your tasks
Working within the ILL’s “Nuclear and Particle Physics (NPP)” group, you will:
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.
FIPPS is a high-resolution HPGe array placed around a thermal neutron beam. It allows to perform prompt nuclear spectroscopy experiments on different stable (rare) and radioactive targets following neutron-induced reactions. Fission experiments are of particular interest as they allow to study both - the properties of neutron-rich nuclei and the fission mechanism itself. Such experiments rely nowadays on the selectivity provided by multiple gamma-ray coincidences. Extensive experimental programmes using different actinide targets are foreseen at the FIPPS instrument. The possibility of fission tagging and fission-fragment selectivity is also under investigation.
Your tasks
Working within the ILL’s “Nuclear and Particle Physics (NPP)” group, you will:
- Participate in ongoing nuclear spectroscopy experiments at FIPPS
- Analyse existing fission data obtained with different actinide targets
- Collaborate with ILL and visiting scientists on their experiments on fission and gamma rays at FIPPS
- Actively research and develop auxiliary systems to enhance selectivity in fission experiments
- Prepare and carry out benchmark tests and demonstration experiments at the Lohengrin fission-fragment separator
- Collaborate with external institutions adding valuable expertise in the field
- Pursue your personal research programme in nuclear physics and promote ILL’s activity at conferences and workshops.
- You will receive training primarily on the gamma-ray spectroscopy programme at FIPPS but also at all other nuclear physics instruments at the ILL.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Head of the NPP group: Dr. Michael Jentschel - email: jentsch@ill.eu (please do not send your application to this address).
Your profile
Your profile
- You hold a PhD in physics with strong expertise in experimental nuclear physics.
- You have experience with development and/or use of charged particle detectors
- You have experience in nuclear spectroscopy and data treatment
- You like to work in a team and to collaborate with users from all over the world
- Good command of English (working language). Willingness to learn French – language training will be provided by the ILL.
What we offer |
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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! |
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Prospects
We guarantee you a stable postdoctoral contract 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 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 25.01.2026, quoting reference number 25/71. 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.
We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
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.
