The successful candidate will be the lead scientist and sole operator responsible for the newly acquired, state-of-the-art laboratory-scale X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) spectrometer, scheduled for installation in November 2026. The Research Engineer will oversee the installation, calibration, and routine operation of the instrument, while spearheading advanced data processing (XANES/EXAFS). He/She will manage academic and industrial user access, coordinate regional/international collaborations, and participate in high-level research projects linked to the "PhotoNS" platform (https://l2cm.univ-lorraine.fr/photons/) at the University of Lorraine in Nancy, France.
1. Key Responsibilities and Missions
- Instrument Management: Ensure the optimal operation, calibration, alignment of X-ray optics (monochromators, focalization mirrors), and maintenance of the laboratory XAS spectrometer.
- Assist internal and external users in designing, preparing, and executing XAS experiments (transmission and fluorescence modes) under ex situ, in situ, and operando conditions.
- Conduct heavy and complex data processing workflows, specifically local coordination environment modeling (EXAFS) and oxidation state/electronic structure analysis (XANES), utilizing advanced software suites (e.g., Demeter/Athena/Artemis, FEFF, FitXAS).
- Implement new sample environments (cryostats, heating cells, gas flow systems) to expand the platform's operando capabilities.
2. Collaborative Research & Project Integration (30%)
- Manage the analytical pipeline for incoming regional collaboration requests from major research hubs in Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and Nancy.
- Coordinate dedicated analytical services and joint R&D programs with industrial partners
- Actively participate in the analytical workflows of major funded programs
- Student Co-supervision
- Draft technical reports, publish high-impact methodology papers, and present platform capabilities at national and international conferences.
3. Required Profile & Skills
Educational Background
Ph.D. in Materials Science, Solid-State Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or a closely related discipline, with a strong specialization in X-ray characterization.
Technical Expertise (Hard Skills)
- Proven hands-on experience in collecting and interpreting X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) data. Extensive knowledge of Synchrotron line operations is highly desirable.
- Deep, demonstrable expertise in EXAFS fitting (coordination numbers, bond lengths, Debye-Waller factors) and XANES simulation (linear combination fitting, PCA, crystal field multiplex calculations).
- Solid understanding of X-ray physics, detector technologies (SDD, ionization chambers), and vacuum technology.
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or specialized spectral analysis software is a strong asset.
Professional & Interpersonal Skills (Soft Skills)
- Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory. Working knowledge of French is appreciated but not strictly required at the time of hiring (the laboratory will assist with integration).
The position is located within the L2CM in Nancy, a highly dynamic, interdisciplinary environment hosting cutting-edge research in molecular and materials chemistry. The engineer will work in close collaboration with Dr Robert Wojcieszak. 24 months contract with the extension possibility.
Contact: Dr Robert Wojcieszak, Head of the InterACT team at the University of Lorraine - Robert.wojcieszak@cnrs.fr
For more information and to apply visit https://l2cm.univ-lorraine.fr/photons/
