Grenoble, France

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 in a wide variety of scientific fields. We currently have a vacancy for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant M/F – Ionic Liquids

Duties

Working within the Spectroscopy group and funded by the European grant FILL2030, you will be in charge of boosting the development of methods for studying the dynamics and structural properties of ionic liquids (ILs) using (in particular) neutrons, and of fostering links with external groups working in fields such as diffraction and small-angle neutron scattering.

‘Ionic liquid’ is the collective name for a huge variety of different compositions; in fact, several subgroups have already been defined, for example magnetic ionic liquids (MIL). If the organic ligands have long aliphatic tails, these compounds can repel water and form microemulsion-like structures. At present, the work using neutrons represents only a small portion of the publications on ILs. The large incoherent scattering of the hydrogen atoms of the organic molecules makes them suitable for neutron scattering, Different parts of the molecules can be highlighted by full (or partial) deuteration to enhance the visibility of structure or dynamics. The large number of H atoms allows dynamical studies with a large dynamic range from methyl rotation to centre-of-mass diffusion. The magnetic properties of MIL are also a stronghold of neutrons.

The Spectroscopy group operates a range of instruments designed to carry out studies covering a broad spectrum of energy ranges, from hundreds of meV (Lagrange, thermal Time of Flight) to neV (Neutron Spin Echo).
This post represents an excellent opportunity for a young scientist to develop expertise, broaden his/her experience and interact with leading scientists from around the world.

Notes

Post-Doctoral contract of 18 months, renewable for a further 6 to 18-month period.
Only candidates holding a PhD obtained less than 2 years ago are eligible for Post-doctoral positions.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the head of the Spectroscopy group: Dr Bela Farago – email: farago@ill.eu (please do not send your application to this address).

Benefits

Generous company benefits (expatriation allowance), relocation assistance and language courses may be offered (for more information, please consult our employment conditions).

Qualifications and experience

You have a PhD in physics, chemistry or physical chemistry.
We are particularly interested in highly motivated candidates with experience in neutron scattering and some previous research activities involving liquids and/or ionic liquids, who are willing to take the lead in bringing together scientific communities.
Medical fitness for work under ionising radiation is required.

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.

Please submit your application in English online with a list of publications and the names of 3 references, including one from your present work place, no later than 27.08.2017 (vacancy reference: 17/Post-Doc02). Interviews should take place in the first week of October.