Experiment Support and Instrument Technician

The company The ILL is an international research facility at the forefront of neutron science and technology. Its High-Flux Nuclear Reactor delivers the world's most intense neutron beams to a suite of over 40 scientific instruments. Every year, some 1800 international researchers visit the ILL to carry out cutting-edge experiments across a range of scientific disciplines, driving innovation in the fields of health, energy, the environment and quantum materials. The ILL is also involved in the production of radioisotopes for medical applications. The ILL employs over 500 staff from 25 different countries, in a diversity of careers and a multicultural and inclusive environment. The Science Division at ILL brings together close to 200 scientists, engineers, and technicians who work collaboratively to provide users with advanced experimental capabilities and expert scientific support. The DS is responsible by operating world-class neutron scattering instruments, supporting an international user community, conducting cutting-edge research, and developing new experimental techniques. In addition, the division drives the development of next-generation instrumentation and computational tools, fosters international collaborations, and contributes to advanced training. About the position As an experiment support and instrument technician, you will be responsible for the operation and development of experimental equipment and for providing support for experiments conducted at the ILL. You will work closely with the scientists in charge of the instruments you will be assigned to. You will also collaborate with the other technicians in the Spectroscopy group. You will act as technical contact for the instrument WASP within this group. Depending on the needs of the different groups, you may be asked to work in parallel on other instruments within the Spectroscopy group. Your tasks Your main duties will involve the following:

• Performing maintenance work and repairs on instruments and their ancillary equipment
• Assisting in-house and visiting scientists with the preparation of their experiments
• Designing new equipment in collaboration with ILL scientists and technical support groups
• Improving the instruments and the way in which experiments are conducted by devising innovative technical solutions
• Performing precision machining of simple mechanical parts (lathing, milling, drilling) at short notice
• Installing, maintaining and operating sample environment equipment (cryostats, furnaces, etc.)
• Organising the purchase of new equipment and spare parts

Desired profile

• You have a Level 4/5 qualification (e.g. NVQ, BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent) in mechanical, maintenance or electronic engineering.
• You have experience in the assembly and alignment of precision mechanical assemblies.
• You have knowledge of CAD software.
• Experience in scientific instrumentation, in particular in the field of cryogenics, would be an advantage.
• You must have a sound knowledge of English and be willing to learn French (a language course will be paid for by the ILL).

Benefits 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! Prospects - We guarantee you a secure permanent position based in Grenoble in a multicultural scientific environment. 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.