The ILL is an international research facility at the forefront of neutron science and technology. Its High-Flux Nuclear Reactor delivers the world’s most intense neutron beams to a suite of over 40 scientific instruments. Every year, some 1800 international researchers visit the ILL to carry out cutting-edge experiments across a range of scientific disciplines, driving innovation in the fields of health, energy, the environment and quantum materials. The ILL is also involved in the production of radioisotopes for medical applications. The ILL employs over 500 staff from 25 different countries, in a diversity of careers and a multicultural and inclusive environment.

The Science Division at ILL brings together close to 200 scientists, engineers, and technicians who work collaboratively to provide users with advanced experimental capabilities and expert scientific support. The DS is responsible by operating world-class neutron scattering instruments, supporting an international user community, conducting cutting-edge research, and developing new experimental techniques. In addition, the division drives the development of next-generation instrumentation and computational tools, fosters international collaborations, and contributes to advanced training.

The Biology, Deuteration, Chemistry and Soft Matter (BDCS) group operates the Chemistry and Soft Matter support laboratories, which offer equipment, lab space and support for sample preparation and characterisation, serving both external users and in-house scientists. The BDCS group also operates the Lipid and Deuteration laboratories, which are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for the production and characterisation of tailor-made deuterated biological molecules for the ILL user community.

Your tasks
In the context of the European FEDER EPN-AVENIR-ILL project and the arrival of new laboratory equipment in the BDCS group, you will reinforce the team in the management of the different labs, support the users with their scientific projects, including the activities of the ILL Science Hubs, and liaise between the members of the group. You will welcome and interact with users before, during and after their stay, assist with operating equipment, and help with sample preparation. Your activities will include:
•    Supporting the scientists and lab managers by communicating with, welcoming and assisting users with their scientific projects in the different labs
•    Management of laboratory supplies and stocks, and regular calibration of lab equipment
•    Organisation of lab space and equipment, as well as participation in waste management and the chemical inventory
•    Supporting the Lipid Lab staff with the user programme, in particular with running the chromatography equipment (HPLC, GC, TLC,…), including the new FEDER equipment
•    The successful candidate will interact with various actors at ILL, including members of the BDCS group, safety engineers, technicians, as well as ILL users and external companies.

•    You have a Level 5 qualification (HND or equivalent) in chemistry (or biochemistry)
•    Expertise in the operation of standard (bio-)chemistry laboratory equipment
•    Sound knowledge of laboratory safety rules and regulations
•    Autonomy and good communication skills
•    Experience of working in a research facility, in industry or at a large-scale research infrastructure would be an asset
•    You must have a sound knowledge of written and spoken English. Knowledge of French would be a plus (a language course could be paid for by the ILL)