Context
The Diffraction Group at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, in collaboration with the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), has an immediate opening for a two-year postdoctoral position funded through the Spanish Scientific Member agreement.
The project focuses on emergent phenomena in transition metal oxides exhibiting unconventional frustrated magnetic and quantum phases. The materials under study include non-collinear magnets, such as complex ferrites with chiral states of remarkable stability, and frustrated negative charge-transfer oxides with hidden symmetries. The aim is to advance the design, understanding, and control of emergent states in quantum materials with non-collinear magnetism and symmetry-protected properties of interest for magnetoelectric and spin-lattice-driven applications.
The research relies primarily on neutron techniques, with emphasis on single-crystal neutron diffraction and the exploitation of polarized neutrons and polarization analysis. Complementary techniques based on resonant X-ray scattering (RMXS/RIXS) are also of interest.
Based at ILL, the position offers the opportunity to interact with a diverse community of scientists across European neutron, synchrotron, and FEL sources, and to carry out research stays of varying duration in the two partner laboratories in Barcelona (ICMAB) and Madrid (UCM). It is an interdisciplinary role bridging chemistry, solid state physics, and advanced characterization using quantum beams.
Your tasks
The successful applicant will be expected to:
- Contribute to the synthesis, preparation, and advanced characterization of functional materials, with a primary focus on neutron scattering (single-crystal and powder diffraction), complemented by X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy when relevant.
- Design, prepare, and submit competitive beamtime proposals at large-scale facilities, primarily neutron sources, while also considering complementary experiments at synchrotron and other scattering facilities.
- Actively collaborate with partner institutions, including Spanish national laboratories and academic partners, contributing to joint experimental campaigns, data analysis, and scientific discussions.
- Perform data reduction, analysis, and interpretation using state-of-the-art software tools, ensuring high-quality and reproducible results.
- Disseminate research outcomes through high-impact publications and presentations at national and international conferences, workshops, and meetings.
- Travel to Spanish national laboratories and other European neutron and synchrotron sources to complement the work conducted in Grenoble.
Your profile
- PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Strong track record in the fields of magnetism and electronic properties.
- Experience in neutron and synchrotron diffraction, preferably on single crystals.
- Expertise in state-of-the-art materials synthesis and single-crystal growth techniques would be an asset.
- Experience in interdisciplinary research collaboration would be an asset.
What we offer
Quality of lifeThis 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!
ProspectsWe guarantee you a stable Postdoctoral position in a multicultural scientific environment.
BenefitsWe 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 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 30.08.2026, quoting reference number 26/32 with a list of publications and the names of 3 referees, including one from your present work place. A concise statement of scientific interests (1-2 pages maximum) is also required, outlining previous and current research directions, with particular emphasis on experience in scattering techniques and work carried out at large-scale research facilities. Applicants should clearly describe their individual contributions and level of involvement in the different aspects of their research work. 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.
