Post-Doctoral Researcher – Neutron Battery Hub, Institut Laue-Langevin, France

Summary

The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, is seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher for the Neutron Battery Hub (NBHub). This is a 36-month collaborative scientific role within a 5-year initiative aimed at advancing neutron-based characterisation of battery materials (Li-ion, Na-ion, and all-solid-state technologies). The successful candidate will design and execute an independent research program, collaborate with academic and industrial partners across Europe, and assist in managing the hub’s laboratories and community outreach.

Post-Doctoral Researcher – Neutron Battery Hub, Institut Laue-Langevin, France

Position Overview

Research Area

• Focus: Neutron-based characterisation of battery materials and devices.
• Core Technologies: Li-ion, Na-ion, and all-solid-state battery technologies.
• Methodologies: Multi-technique neutron experiments (diffraction, imaging, small-angle scattering, and inelastic/quasielastic scattering) to establish structure-transport-function relationships under ex situ and in operando conditions.

Eligibility / Qualification

• Education & Experience: 2–3 years of research experience following a PhD in Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry.
• Technical Expertise: Essential understanding of battery research challenges, alongside proven hands-on experience with at least one neutron or synchrotron technique (e.g., diffraction, imaging, SAS, QENS, or equivalent).
• Preferred Skills: Experience developing operando or in situ electrochemical cells is a plus. Knowledge of large dataset analysis and reduction is also highly valued.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral English communication skills; proficiency in French is considered a plus.
• Teamwork: Proven ability to work productively in a large, multi-partner, international scientific environment.
• Special Requirements: Candidates must pass administrative screening (background checks) and meet the medical fitness criteria required to work under ionising radiation.

Job Description

Scientific Role

• Design, lead, and execute an independent research programme on battery materials using neutron scattering techniques within the NBHub framework.
• Develop specialized methods and sample environments in collaboration with fellow NBHub members and ILL users.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications, conference presentations, and community outreach activities.

Operational Responsibilities

• Assist the hub coordinators in managing the Electrochemical Laboratory, internal seminars, and community events.
• Participate in internal and external communication strategies, including updating the NBHub website, writing newsletters, and managing social media outreach.

What We Offer

• Quality of Life: Located in Grenoble, the heart of the French Alps. The facility supports a healthy work-life balance by offering home-working options (under certain conditions) and generous annual paid leave.
• Stability: A stable Post-Doc position in a multicultural, world-class scientific environment.
• Benefits: Generous social benefits (expatriation allowance, excellent health coverage), moving/relocation assistance, and an annual productivity bonus. Subsidies for the staff canteen, public transport, holidays, and language courses for you and your partner are also available. Detailed terms can be reviewed on the ILL Employment Conditions page.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application online—preferably in English—via the official career portal. When applying, you must quote reference number 26/28 and include:

1. A current CV.
2. A complete list of publications.
3. The names and contact details of 3 referees (including one from your current workplace).
4. A 2–4 page research project proposal to be developed within the NBHub framework.

Last Date for Apply

• Deadline: 09.08.2026

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