- Engineer in charge of the Human Organ and Body Atlas Laboratory

At a glance

Job title: Engineer in charge of the Human Organ and Body Atlas Laboratory
Ref.: 26-15-P-EXP-XIM
Contract type: Permanent contract
Working time: Full-time job
Expected deadline of applications: 05/06/2026
Publication start on Intranet: 06/05/2026

Context & Job description

The ESRF is a world-leading international research centre operating the most advanced high-energy synchrotron X-ray source. It hosts a strong Life Sciences programme across several beamlines, covering a broad range of imaging and analytical techniques.

BM18 is dedicated to high-sensitivity phase-contrast tomography of large and complex samples. The beamline primarily develops hierarchical phase-contrast tomography and propagation-based phase-contrast imaging. Scientific programmes span several domains, including Biomedical Imaging, Natural and Cultural Heritage, Materials Sciences, and Geology.

One of the major scientific initiatives on BM18 is the Human Organ and Body Atlas (HOBA) project, an ambitious international project involving multiple research teams and requiring the coordinated preparation and imaging of large numbers of complex biological samples. To support this programme, a new large-scale anatomy laboratory is currently under construction, designed to accommodate human samples and, at a later stage, entire human bodies.

As an engineer, you will be responsible for the HOBA laboratory and will play a central role at the interface between the laboratory activities and the associated beamline operations. You will ensure the safety- and ethical compliant operation and further development of the laboratory.

Working closely with beamline scientists, engineers, the safety group, and international users, you will help develop and optimize sample preparation workflows adapted to large biological specimens, support advanced imaging experiments, and contribute to the maintenance and evolution of experimental instrumentation. You will also participate in the implementation of innovative experimental protocols and help ensure efficient coordination between laboratory preparation and synchrotron imaging activities.

Through these activities, you will contribute to enabling complex multidisciplinary research programmes and to further strengthening BM18’s unique capabilities in large-scale biological imaging.

Further information may be obtained from Paul TAFFOREAU (tel.: +33 (0)4 38 88 19 74, email: paul.tafforeau@esrf.fr

Expected profile

Education:

Master degree in physics, biomedical engineering, life sciences, imaging sciences, or a closely related discipline. A PhD degree is an asset.

Technical skills:

Synchrotron Imaging Experience: Experience working with synchrotron X-ray imaging techniques, ideally in the context of tomography or phase-contrast imaging. Experience supporting users or contributing to beamline operation would be particularly valuable.
Laboratory Development and Operations: Experience contributing to the development and operation of laboratory facilities dedicated to biological sample preparation, experimental workflows, or complex specimen handling. Experience in laboratory setup, coordination of equipment, and management of experimental logistics will be appreciated.
Human Sample Handling: Experience working with Human samples, ideally including large anatomical pieces. Familiarity with procedures involving human tissues or organs, or with anatomy-related environments, would be considered an advantage.
Safety and Hazardous Materials: Experience working in environments involving hazardous chemicals or biological materials, with a strong awareness of laboratory safety practices and regulatory requirements.
Experimental Protocols and Workflow Optimization: Demonstrated ability to develop, refine, and implement experimental or preparation protocols in order to improve efficiency, reproducibility, and experimental quality.
Instrumentation and Technical Skills: Experience operating and maintaining experimental equipment or laboratory instrumentation. Familiarity with experimental setup development, mechanical design, or 3D modelling tools would be an asset.

Non-technical skills:

Collaboration and Communication: Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with scientists, engineers, technical staff, and international users.
Languages: Proficiency in English (working language at the ESRF). Scientific writing skills would be considered an advantage.

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 "What we offer" section of our Careers page https://www.esrf.fr/Jobs

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

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