- BeamLine Operation Manager (BLOM) on ID20

At a glance

Job title: BeamLine Operation Manager (BLOM) on ID20
Ref.: 26-10-P-EXP-XSP
Contract type: Permanent contract
Working time: Full-time job
Publication start on Intranet: 17/03/2026

Context & Job description

Beamline ID20 at the ESRF is dedicated to the study of electronic and magnetic excitations in matter using hard X-ray resonant and non-resonant inelastic scattering techniques. These spectroscopies provide unique insight into the electronic structure and dynamics of materials and are applied across a wide range of scientific fields including condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, geosciences, energy-related materials, and cultural heritage.

The beamline hosts several advanced spectrometers for high-resolution and moderate-resolution inelastic X-ray scattering experiments, as well as flexible experimental environments enabling studies under extreme conditions and operando configurations.

As Beamline Operation Manager (BLOM), you will play a key role in the operation, maintenance, and further development of the ID20 beamline instrumentation. You will contribute to the design, integration and optimisation of beamline optics, spectrometers, and sample environments, and participate in the commissioning of new instrumentation and experimental capabilities.

You will work closely with the beamline scientists and technical teams to ensure the reliable operation of the beamline and to support the implementation of new experimental techniques. In particular, upcoming developments include new instrumentation for extreme conditions experiments, advanced spectrometers, and multimodal approaches for in situ and operando studies.

User support will be an essential part of the role. As a local contact for visiting scientists, you will assist external user groups during experiments and contribute to the scientific exploitation of the beamline.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in the in-house research programme of the beamline, collaborating with the ID20 team and international users at the forefront of electronic structure and excitation spectroscopy.

Further information may be obtained from Christoph Sahle (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 2711, email: sahle@esrf.fr

Expected profile

You hold a higher university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent diploma offering 300 ECTS) in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline. A PhD would be an asset.

Candidates should have strong experience in synchrotron instrumentation and experimental techniques, ideally related to hard X-ray spectroscopy or scattering methods.

Experience in some of the following areas will be highly appreciated beamline alignment and operation, X-ray optics and diffraction physics, spectrometer instrumentation and experimental setups, data acquisition and control systems, data analysis and scientific programming, and development of complex experimental environments.

The ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural research environment, interact with facility users, and contribute to collaborative research projects is essential.

Excellent English communication skills are required, as English is the working language at ESRF.

Good scientific writing skills are also an asset.

Working conditions

Permanent contract.

The salary will be calculated on the basis of relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

What we offer:

Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022
Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

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