Beamline Scientist for ODE (m/f) - Permanent Contract

SOLEIL is an optimized 2.75 GeV synchrotron light source of 3rd generation under construction in the south of Paris. The first 12 beamlines, several of which using new concepts of undulator sources, are planned to be opened to external users in 2009. A total of 26 beamlines covering the whole energy range from IR to hard X-rays and providing a complete panel of synchrotron radiation-based outstanding experimental tools for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, will be operational in 2013. A permanent staff of 350 people in the Experiments, Source and Accelerators Divisions, Technical and Computer Support Services and Administration will operate the installation for users and in-house research.

The ODE beamline, is devoted to X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the 3.5 to 25 keV energy range light provided by a bending magnet.
 
The continuous change of the Bragg incidence along the bent crystal of the monochromator provides 500 eV energy range of the reflected beam on the sample. The correlation between position and energy of the X-ray is exploited thanks to a position sensitive detector.
 
The main advantages of the ODE Dispersive XAFS beamline are the focusing optics, the short acquisition time and the great stability during the measurements due to the absence of any mechanical movement.
 
These three features allow the study of: 1- very small samples (typically 100 m or less), 2- fast kinetics events down to the microseconde scale, and 3- processes displaying small signal to noise ratio. A specificity of the beamline is about high pressure studies. Up to more than 100GPa can be achieved on small samples.
 
The sample environment is versatile, with ovens, cryostat and specific high pressure devices. Investigations in Materials sciences (magnetism and crystallographic structure under pressure, in-situ chemical reaction studies like nanoparticule growth) represent 80% of users experiments, but scientists from other fields (Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science and Environment) are welcome on the ODE beamline.
 
More information can be obtained from:
 
François BAUDELET
Francois.baudelet@synchrotron-soleil.fr 
+33(0)1 69 35 96 12

The beamline scientist will be involved in both scientific and technical aspects.
 
He (she) will actively participate in the user support program as local contact on the beamline and in promoting, in the scientific communities (especially whose interested in magnetism and/or crystallographic structure under pressure studies), applications for experiments on ODE. He (she) can advertise the experimental capabilities of ODE in order to strengthen the link with the community of users.
 
A significant part of the duty is also beamline maintenance and development.
 
He (she) will be part of a research program in the field(s) of the electronic and structural properties under pressure of some transition metal and rare earths system using the ODE facilities (X ray magnetic circular dichroism and X-ray absorption spectroscopy) but also other beam line like X ray diffraction, infrared or X-ray inelastic scattering under extreme conditions. Collaborations within in-house research activities are strongly encouraged: they may involve other instrumentations and teams present at SOLEIL, and/or partner’s laboratories.

You are a scientist whose principal interest is in X-ray absorption, with a solid experience in experimental techniques, in computing and in XAS data treatment. Previous experience with XAS is considered mandatory.
 
You should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in Physics. You must have a research experience in Physics, Materials Science, high pressure instrumentation and practice and EXAFS. A technical experience and a strong background in solid state physics are required. You are able to support these user communities.

This offer corresponds to a permanent position. The remuneration will be based on the SOLEIL salary scale, and determined according to the professional background, qualifications and degrees held by the candidate.
 
The place of work will be at Synchrotron SOLEIL, which is located in the Paris suburbs (Saint-Aubin - Essonne).
 
The application must contain a cover letter, resume and three letters of recommendation. Applications should be filed directly at:

http://candidature.synchrotron-soleil.fr/VotreCandidature/ with reference: EXP-019