PhD Student at ILL: Machine Learning for Neutron Reflectometry European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, offers a PhD position focused on advancing machine learning for neutron reflectometry. ESRF is a world-leading research center, renowned for its innovative engineering and scientific vision, and hosts thousands of scientists annually for experiments across biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics. Supported by 19 countries, ESRF is committed to diversity and equal opportunity.

The PhD project aims to develop and implement machine learning (ML) based neutron reflectometry (NR) analysis as an automated workflow for the reflectometry instruments at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL). Current ML models are optimized for monochromatic X-ray reflectometry; this project seeks to generalize these approaches for a broader range of samples and time-of-flight NR, integrating automatic data reduction to fully automate the workflow at ILL reflectometers. The ML module will be embedded in the data acquisition and processing ecosystem, enabling real-time analysis and facilitating closed-loop experiments where analysis results provide feedback control during ongoing experiments. Polymer thin films and protein layers will serve as sample systems to test the developed tools.

The successful candidate will join the Large Scale Structures (LSS) group at ILL, working primarily with the NR machines D17 and FIGARO. The project includes a 2–6 month secondment at Tübingen University in Germany, mainly at the project's outset, to adapt existing ML tools to the project's needs. Additional visits to Tübingen University may occur as required. The candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at Tübingen University but based full-time at ILL in Grenoble, with a varied pedagogical training programme throughout the 3-year PhD project.

Applicants should have a background in scattering techniques and programming, and must hold a degree allowing PhD enrolment (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea, or equivalent) in a natural science field like physics, chemistry, materials sciences, or nanotechnology. Proficiency in English at B2 level is required, with proof unless the applicant is from a native-English-speaking country or holds a degree conducted in English; otherwise, a free English test will be requested. Candidates must comply with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions mobility rule, not having resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than twelve months in the three years before the application deadline. Applicants must not already be working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must already hold a master’s degree at the call deadline. Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

For further information, contact Dr. Philipp Gutfreund ([email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frank Schreiber ([email protected]). Applications should be submitted online via the provided links. The position is not funded by the EU Research Framework Programme. The application deadline is 6 March 2027.

Host laboratories include ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), and NTNU (Norway). The NEXTSTEP programme will train 36 researchers to leverage analytical research infrastructures for sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in health, digital industry & space, climate, energy & mobility, and food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture & environment.