Post-doc (f/m) on beamline ID10-SURF in the X-ray Diffraction and Scattering Group European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France is recruiting a Post-doc (f/m) on beamline ID10-SURF in the X-ray Diffraction and Scattering Group. ESRF is an international research centre with a world-leading synchrotron source used across biology, medicine, environmental science, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics. The institute offers an inclusive, international environment and support for relocation to Grenoble.

The successful candidate will join the beamline team and contribute to the operation of the ID10 surface scattering station, ongoing in-house research programmes, and support for external users as local contact. The postdoc will also develop an independent research programme focused on interactions between biological membrane mimics at liquid interfaces and macromolecules, including polymers and proteins, using X-ray surface scattering techniques.

ID10 is dedicated to hard and soft condensed matter surfaces and interfaces. The station supports X-ray reflectivity (XRR), grazing incidence WAXS and SAXS, and complementary methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). A notable feature is the double crystal deflector (DCD), which enables studies of liquid surfaces including buried interfaces. The beamline also offers sample environments such as a Langmuir trough and a reactor for chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth of 2D materials on liquid metal catalysts (LMCat).

Current research themes include Langmuir films that mimic cell membranes, nanoparticle assembly at liquid interfaces, and catalysis, including CVD growth of 2D materials on LMCat and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The successful applicant will work with beamline scientists to develop advanced, chemically and physically consistent analysis strategies for surface X-ray scattering data and design beamline-specific sample cells.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, awarded within the last 3 years. The role requires strong instrumentation and data analysis skills, familiarity with surface science, liquid surfaces, soft matter, or solid-state physics, experience with X-ray or neutron scattering on soft matter or related systems, and basic scattering data modelling knowledge. Programming experience in Python or MATLAB and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, user-facing environment are also required.

The appointment is for 18 months, renewable for a further 6 to 18 months. ESRF describes a competitive compensation and allowances package and financial support for relocation to Grenoble. Applicants should use the online application link and consult ESRF’s employment terms for more details.