PF2 Instrument Technician

Context

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 43 unique scientific instruments. Every year, we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to the Institute to carry out world-class research in condensed matter 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.

The instrument PF2 at the ILL is the world's most intense source of ultracold and very cold neutrons, delivering neutrons via 4 beam ports to several experiments operating in parallel. The PF2 instrument is operated by the ILL's Nuclear and Particle Physics (NPP) group, which comprises about 20 highly motivated scientists and technicians. Complementing the high-density UCN source SuperSUN, PF2 offers unique opportunities for carrying out experiments in low-energy particle physics and gravitational research.

Your tasks

- Provide technical support to the Instrument Scientists of the NPP group in setting up experiments at the beam lines of the instrument PF2 and other instruments of the NPP group

- Service and maintain PF2-specific installations

- Provide assistance and technical advice during the setting-up of user experiments

- Manufacture and machine support structures and mechanical adapters on demand

- Manage the stock of spare parts, consumables, UCN equipment and vacuum components on PF2

- Manage the PF2 mechanical workshop.

Your profile

- You have a Level 4/5 qualification (HNC/HND, foundation degree or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, precision mechanics or equivalent.

- You have a significant amount of experience (at least 5 years) working as a multi-skilled machine tool technician/operator.

- You have experience designing, machining and operating precision mechanical assemblies.

- Experience with vacuum techniques would be an asset.

- You have a methodical and disciplined approach to your work and are happy to work in an international team.

What we offer

Quality of life A hub for research and technology, the city of Grenoble is 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 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 stable permanent position 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.

Sounds interesting?

Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal by 16.02.2025, quoting reference number 25/05. Please note that all applicants are subject to administrative screening (background checks) and that for this post medical fitness for work under ionising radiation is required. We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.