Scientific Coordinator of the Science Hub for Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

5-year fixed-term contract

Context
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research facility for scientific research using neutrons. Every year, we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to the Institute to carry out world-class research. The ILL Science Strategy describes the approach that will be taken to build on the improvements to the instrument suite achieved thanks to the Endurance upgrade programme, with the aim of enhancing our science programme to grow the user community and address today’s major societal challenges. It provides a vision for science at the ILL for the coming decade, guiding ILL leadership on resource allocation, reinforcing and demonstrating the importance of the ILL for European science and innovation, and supporting political decisions on the future European neutron landscape.

The Strategy reflects a balance between consolidating existing strengths and establishing new structures and mechanisms to support emerging scientific areas of societal importance. The scientific excellence delivered by our peer-reviewed user programme will continue to serve as a foundation. We will create new structures, known as Science Hubs, one of which will focus on the field of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS). The hub will be a centre of scientific expertise whose aim is to support and expand the user base, promote internal collaborations, strengthen connections with pharmaceutical companies, and deliver high-quality science.
 
Coordination and Strategic Leadership of the 5-Year LLPS Science Programme
As coordinator of the LLPS Science Hub, you will be expected to propose and manage a 5-year research programme in this area that will define how challenging scientific and societal questions could be addressed with neutron experimental capabilities. You must submit a five-page proposal for your suggested research programme, together with your application for this position (more information here). The programme should be structured as a project with clear objectives, milestones, a well-defined set of key performance indicators, a timeline and a coherent resourcing plan. The research programme should also include plans for the implementation of a support infrastructure for LLPS research at the ILL. Based on this:
  • You will bring together like-minded ILL scientists and external users, and coordinate and lead the team's work to achieve its objectives.
  • The Science Hub Coordinator will report directly to the Director of Science.
  • The project will be determined by a competitive proposal process and will be peer-reviewed to ensure scientific excellence.
  • Developing collaborations on the EPN campus, in particular with the IBS, EMBL and ESRF, will be of crucial importance for the LLPS Science Hub.
Your profile
  • You have high-level scientific expertise in the field of biophysics or soft matter research.
  • You have sound knowledge and experience of neutron and X-ray experimental methods, particularly neutron scattering, and a vision to maximise the contribution of these methods to LLPS research.
  • You have significant experience in managing scientific programmes and projects.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills are required to manage the scientific coordination of the Hub

What we offer
Quality of life This position is based in Grenoble, a hub for research and technology, ideally located in the heart of the French Alps (just 3 hours from Paris/Provence by train, 1 hour from Lyon international airport and 1 ½ hours from Geneva). It is important for us that our staff achieve a healthy work-life balance. We therefore offer home working (under certain conditions), generous annual paid leave entitlement and a host of other benefits that you will discover when you arrive!
Prospects We guarantee you a stable 5-year fixed-term contract in a multicultural scientific environment.
Benefits  We offer generous social benefits (expatriation allowance, excellent health cover), moving and relocation assistance (under certain conditions) and an annual productivity bonus. We also offer language courses for you and your partner and subsidies for the use of public transport and the staff canteen, as well as for holidays and a variety of cultural and sports activities. For more details, visit https://www.ill.eu/careers/working-at-the-ill/employment-conditions

Sounds interesting?

Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal by 22.02.2026, quoting reference number 26/04 with a list of publications and the names of 3 referees, including one from your present work place. Please note that all applicants are subject to administrative screening (background checks). For this post, medical fitness, including for work under ionising radiation, is required. 
We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) - operates Europe‘s leading research facility for basic research with neutrons in Grenoble (France). The passion for progress and technology unites us and makes innovation in science and research possible every day. Let‘s work together to change our society and our world for the better.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.