The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
2026-42503
The CEA's Fundamental Research Division (DRF) employs more than 5,000 people on four sites and conducts research in the physical, chemical, biological and environmental sciences, using cutting-edge technologies and instruments
Based at the Grenoble site, the Department of Integrated Structural and Cellular Biology (DBSCI) at the IRIG (Grenoble Interdisciplinary Research Institute) is fully aligned with the DRF's scientific strategy.
The DBSCI department comprises two units:
The first area concerns infectious diseases and molecular medicine, and focuses on research in structural and functional microbiology and virology, host-pathogen interactions and immunity, transcriptional regulation and DNA repair.The second research area focuses on signalling and membrane transport; this area involves the development of methods for biochemistry, structural biology and the engineering of membrane proteins.
The third area aims to push the boundaries of biophysics and chemistry applications in structural biology by developing new methodological approaches.
Optics and Optronics
Fixed-term contract
Researcher in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy (cryo-PALM) H/F
Executive
36
Would you like to develop optical instrumentation and methods for microscopy at very low temperatures? Join us as a researcher on a three-year fixed-term contract within the ANR EPIC project. You will investigate and optimise a cryo-PALM microscope and develop reliable cryogenic sample transfers between fluorescence and electron microscopy at IBS/IRIG!
As a researcher, your responsibilities will include:
We primarily seek a specialist in experimental optics or photonics with a PhD in optics, photonics, experimental physics, optical instrumentation or a related field. Hands-on experience designing, aligning and optimising optical or microscopy setups is essential. Knowledge of biophysics or biological applications is an asset; you will work closely with specialists in biology and cryo-EM. Prior PALM or cryo-EM experience is welcome but is not required.
Strong expertise in experimental optics, photonics and optical instrumentation.
Hands-on experience designing, aligning, optimising and quantitatively characterising optical or microscopy setups.
Knowledge of fluorescence microscopy, super-resolution imaging, cryogenic instrumentation or biological applications would be an asset.
Programming and quantitative experimental data analysis skills would be an asset.
Independence, scientific rigour and good organisational skills.
Initiative, scientific curiosity and the ability to propose solutions to experimental challenges.
Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.
Good communication skills and the ability to share scientific results.
Language skills
Good command of spoken and written scientific English to work in an international environment.
Knowledge of French is welcome but is not essential.
🤝 Why join us? ….
By joining the Grenoble Interdisciplinary Institute, you’ll be part of a dynamic and innovative research environment where you’ll have the opportunity to learn, grow and play a key role within a centre of excellence.
…AND THAT’S NOT ALL!
You may be interested in the benefits that come alongside your main role:
A cutting-edge research ecosystem dedicated to topics of significant societal importance.
Training to enhance your skills and boost your career.
A staff committee offering a wealth of social, cultural and sporting benefits.
Practical benefits: staff canteen/meal vouchers, 85% of transport costs covered, and much more.
An exceptional living environment in Grenoble, nestled in the mountains, offering a unique balance between city life and nature.
🚀 Want to be part of the adventure? Apply now and put your energy to work for research and innovation!
In line with the CEA’s commitments to the integration of people with disabilities, this role is open to everyone. The CEA offers adjustments and/or organisational arrangements to facilitate the inclusion of disabled workers
Grenoble
France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Isère (38)
Grenoble
PhD in optics, photonics,
01/02/2027
The CEA is the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission ("Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives"). It is a public body established in October 1945 by General de Gaulle. A leader in research, development and innovation, the CEA mission statement has two main objectives: To become the leading technological research organization in Europe and to ensure that the nuclear deterrent remains effective in the future.
The CEA is active in four main areas: low-carbon energies, defense and security, information technologies and health technologies. In each of these fields, the CEA maintains a cross-disciplinary culture of engineers and researchers, building on the synergies between fundamental and technological research.
The civilian programs of the CEA received 49% of their funding from the French government, and 30% from external sources (partner companies and the European Union).
The CEA had a budget of 4,3 billion euros.
The CEA is based in ten research centers in France, each specializing in specific fields. The laboratories are located in the Paris region, the Rhône-Alpes, the Rhône valley, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Aquitaine, Central France and Burgundy. The CEA benefits from the strong regional identities of these laboratories and the partnerships forged with other research centers, local authorities and universities.
