Post-Doctoral Researcher - Neutron Battery Hub
36 months
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 Neutron Battery Hub (NBHub) (https://www.ill.eu/en/science-technology/science-hubs/neutron-battery-hub/) is a 5-year collaborative scientific programme hosted at ILL. The NBHub brings together battery scientists, neutron experts, data scientists, and theoreticians to develop a centre of excellence in neutron-based characterisation of battery materials and devices. It addresses key challenges in Li-ion, Na-ion, and all-solid-state technologies through multi-technique neutron experiments to explore the structural, chemical and morphological changes happening in a battery during its lifetime. Moreover, it aims at establishing structure-transport-function relationships based on understanding fundamental reaction and degradation processes in both ex situ and in operando conditions. Core neutron techniques are diffraction, imaging, small-angle scattering and inelastic/quasielastic scattering. The NBHub is anchored in ILL's state-of-the-art instrument suite, and builds on a network of leading academic and industrial partners across France and Europe (CEA, CNRS, ESRF European Battery Hub, Battery 2030+ and others).
Your tasks
Scientific Role
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 Neutron Battery Hub (NBHub) (https://www.ill.eu/en/science-technology/science-hubs/neutron-battery-hub/) is a 5-year collaborative scientific programme hosted at ILL. The NBHub brings together battery scientists, neutron experts, data scientists, and theoreticians to develop a centre of excellence in neutron-based characterisation of battery materials and devices. It addresses key challenges in Li-ion, Na-ion, and all-solid-state technologies through multi-technique neutron experiments to explore the structural, chemical and morphological changes happening in a battery during its lifetime. Moreover, it aims at establishing structure-transport-function relationships based on understanding fundamental reaction and degradation processes in both ex situ and in operando conditions. Core neutron techniques are diffraction, imaging, small-angle scattering and inelastic/quasielastic scattering. The NBHub is anchored in ILL's state-of-the-art instrument suite, and builds on a network of leading academic and industrial partners across France and Europe (CEA, CNRS, ESRF European Battery Hub, Battery 2030+ and others).
Your tasks
Scientific Role
- Design, lead, and execute your own research programme on battery materials using neutron scattering techniques, in the framework of the NBHub (Li-ion, Na-ion, solid-state).
- Develop methods and sample environments in collaboration with NBHub members and ILL users.
- Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and outreach activities.
Operational Responsibilities
- Assist the coordinators in managing the NBHub: Electrochemical Laboratory, internal seminars, and community events.
- Participate in internal and external communication (NBHub website, newsletters, and social media).
Your profile
- 2-3 years of research experience after a PhD in Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry.
- Expertise in battery research and an understanding of challenges in the field are essential.
- Proven hands-on experience with at least one neutron or synchrotron technique (diffraction, imaging, SAS, QENS, or equivalent).
- Experience with developing operando or in situ electrochemical cells would be a plus.
- Knowledge of large dataset analysis and reduction.
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral), French would be a plus.
- Ability to work effectively in a large, multi-partner, international environment.
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 Post-Doc position 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 12.07.2026, quoting reference number 26/28, with a list of publications, the names of 3 referees, including one from your present work place, and a 2-4 page research project to be developed in the NBHub. 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.
