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 1700 visiting 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 10 other European countries. Within the Science Division, the Large Scale Structures (LSS) Group is now recruiting a:
RESEARCH SCIENTIST (m/f)

The LSS group comprises a range of instruments designed to carry out studies on the structure of matter on a scale of one to hundreds of nanometers. These include instruments for small-angle scattering, reflectometry, diffraction from single crystals or one or two-dimensionally ordered materials. The range of science covered is very broad, from polymer and colloid science through structural molecular biology to materials science and magnetic phenomena.

Duties:
Working within the Large Scale Structures (LSS) Group in the field of Neutron Reflectometry you will be involved in the day-to-day running, as well as the longer term development, of the reflectometer D17. The instrument is a vertical sample reflectometer dedicated to the study of soft matter, biological systems and magnetic structures. You will be expected to help with the ongoing optimization of the instrument hardware, software and sample environment, carry out your own active research programme, and assist ILL users in conducting their experiments.

Qualifications and experience:
You hold a Ph.D. in chemistry or physical chemistry.
You are a highly motivated candidate with experience in reflectometry and an interest in soft condensed matter. Computing skills and a general interest in software development, particularly in the field of off-specular data analysis would be considered an advantage.
The post represents an excellent opportunity for a young postdoctoral scientist to develop expertise, broaden their experience and interact with leading scientists from around the world. Applications from more experienced scientists who are able to obtain a secondment period from their home institute will also be considered.

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: Fixed-term contract of 5 years.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the head of the LSS Group: Dr. R. Cubitt,
tel.: +33(0)4.76.20.72.15, e-mail: cubitt@ill.fr or via http://www.ill.fr/lss

Benefits:
Generous company benefits (adaptation and expatriation allowance), relocation assistance and language courses may be offered.

How to apply:
Please submit your application on line, with a list of publications, no later than 23.03.2010, via our website: http://www.ill.fr/careers (Vacancy reference: 10/05).
In line with our policy of Equal Opportunities, we encourage anyone with relevant qualifications to apply.