Postdoc in Electronic Structure in ILL – France

Summary

The ILL – Institut Max von Laue – Paul Langevin, an international research facility in Grenoble, France, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Electronic Structure & Magnetism in Quantum Materials. The position is a 24-month fixed-term contract within the Science Division's Theory group. The successful candidate will work on ab-initio electronic structure and spectroscopic calculations, focusing on magnetic and multiferroic systems and collaborating with experimentalists. Responsibilities include developing effective models to understand experimental properties and potentially contributing to magnetic system databases for machine learning. Applicants must hold a PhD in condensed matter physics or quantum chemistry obtained less than 4 years ago, possess a strong background in quantum mechanics, and have knowledge of electronic structure calculations and Linux. The application deadline is October 4, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Science Division – Theory group
Position Type	PostDoc
Discipline	Condensed matter physics, Quantum chemistry
Research Area	Electronic structure & magnetism, Quantum materials, Condensed matter physics, Quantum chemistry, Strong correlation, Magnetic and multiferroic systems, Neutron diffraction, Ab-initio electronic structure, DFT wave-function methods, Machine learning, Databases on magnetic systems
Degree Required	PhD in condensed matter physics or quantum chemistry obtained less than 4 years ago
Experience	Experience preferred
Salary	Gross salary To be defined according to profile
Contract Duration	Fixed-term contract 24 months
Deadline	2026-10-04
Required Documents	Curriculum Vitae, Cover letter
Employer Address	Grenoble, France
Employer Contact	Marie-Bernadette LEPETIT – email: [email protected]

About the Project

The research project focuses on ab-initio electronic structure and spectroscopic calculations in strongly correlated quantum materials, with a particular emphasis on magnetic and multiferroic systems. The Postdoc will work on specific compounds in close collaboration with experimentalists, using ab-initio methods to develop effective models that provide a coherent understanding of experimentally observed properties. A key aspect will be interpreting neutron diffraction data, including magnetic structure and excitations. The candidate may also contribute to building databases on magnetic systems for future machine learning applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on ab-initio electronic structure and spectroscopic calculations in strongly correlated quantum materials.
• Focus on magnetic and multiferroic systems.
• Collaborate closely with experimentalists.
• Use ab-initio methods to develop effective models for understanding experimentally observed properties.
• Focus on understanding neutron diffraction data (magnetic structure, magnetic excitations).
• Potentially participate in building databases on magnetic systems for machine learning.

Required Skills

• PhD in condensed matter physics or quantum chemistry obtained less than 4 years ago
• Strong background in quantum mechanics
• Reasonable knowledge of electronic structure calculations (DFT, wave-function methods)
• Experience with Linux
• Knowledge of group theory or crystallography (asset)
• Knowledge in artificial intelligence (appreciated)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for a Recognised Researcher (R2) with a PhD in condensed matter physics or quantum chemistry obtained less than 4 years ago. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quantum mechanics, reasonable knowledge of electronic structure calculations (DFT, wave-function methods), and experience with Linux. Knowledge of group theory, crystallography, or artificial intelligence would be an asset.

Benefits

• Quality of life in Grenoble
• Home working under certain conditions
• Generous annual paid leave
• Stable postdoctoral contract in a multicultural scientific environment
• Generous social benefits
• Expatriation allowance
• Excellent health cover
• Moving and relocation assistance
• Annual productivity bonus
• Language courses for the employee and partner
• Subsidies for public transport and staff canteen
• Holidays and cultural and sports activities

About the Employer

The ILL (Institut Max von Laue – Paul Langevin) is an international research facility located in Grenoble, France. It is at the forefront of neutron science and technology, operating a High-Flux Nuclear Reactor that delivers intense neutron beams to over 40 scientific instruments. Approximately 1800 international researchers visit annually for experiments in various scientific disciplines, including health, energy, environment, and quantum materials. The ILL is also involved in radioisotope production for medical applications. It employs over 500 staff from 25 countries, fostering a multicultural and inclusive environment. The Science Division comprises nearly 200 scientists, engineers, and technicians who support users, operate instruments, conduct research, and develop new techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is a fixed-term contract for 24 months.

What is the required academic qualification for this position?

Applicants must have a PhD in condensed matter physics or quantum chemistry obtained less than 4 years ago.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover letter.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 4, 2026.

Who can I contact for further information about the position?

You can contact Marie-Bernadette LEPETIT, Head of the Theory group, via email at [email protected].

What benefits are offered with this position?

Benefits include quality of life in Grenoble, home working options, generous paid leave, social benefits, expatriation allowance, health cover, relocation assistance, productivity bonus, language courses, and subsidies for transport and canteen.