PhD Opportunities in Neutron Science in Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) – France

Summary

The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, offers multiple fully funded three‑year PhD projects in neutron science across disciplines such as condensed matter physics, chemistry, materials science, particle and nuclear physics, biology, health, soft condensed matter and instrumentation. Candidates will conduct research using neutron scattering techniques, collaborate with scientists, engineers and international partners, and be enrolled at a university in one of ILL's member countries. The positions are fixed‑term, 36 months, full‑time, with a gross salary defined according to profile and a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to the world’s most intense neutron source. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) and submit a CV and cover letter.

Key Facts

Position Type	PhD Student
Discipline	Neutron Science
Research Area	Neutron Science (Condensed Matter Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Particle and Nuclear Physics, Biology and Health, Soft Condensed Matter, Instrumentation)
Degree Required	Master's degree (or equivalent)
Salary	Gross salary to be defined according to profile
Funding	Fully funded 3-year PhD projects
Contract Duration	Fixed-term, 36 months
Language	Good knowledge of English
Required Documents	Curriculum Vitae, cover letter

About the Project

PhD projects involve using a range of neutron scattering techniques—such as diffraction, spectroscopy, triple‑axis, time‑of‑flight, backscattering, spin‑echo, small‑angle scattering and reflectivity—to investigate materials and phenomena in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and related fields. Researchers will work primarily at ILL’s facilities while being enrolled at a university in a member country, contributing to cutting‑edge studies in condensed matter, materials, soft matter and instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a PhD research project using neutron scattering techniques at the ILL
• Contribute to research with scientists, engineers, and international academic partners
• Work independently while contributing effectively to a research team
• Be enrolled in a university in one of the ILL's member countries

Required Skills

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline
• Strong interest in research and scientific problem‑solving
• Motivation to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment
• Good analytical and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a research team
• Good knowledge of English

Who Should Apply

Applicants who hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a scientific or engineering discipline, have strong interest in research, good analytical and communication skills, and are motivated to work in an international, multidisciplinary environment. Proficiency in English is required.

Benefits

• Fully funded 3‑year PhD projects
• Gross salary to be defined according to profile
• Access to the world’s most intense neutron source and advanced experimental facilities
• International, multidisciplinary research environment

About the Employer

The Institut Laue‑Langevin (ILL) is an international research laboratory in Grenoble, France, operating the world’s most intense neutron source and providing a multidisciplinary environment for cutting‑edge neutron science research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the PhD position?

The position is a fixed‑term 36‑month contract.

Is the PhD fully funded?

Yes, the projects are fully funded.

What documents must be submitted?

A Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter are required.