Engineer in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy

Engineer in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy (cryo-PALM) H/F

Category

Optics and Optronics

Job title

Engineer in Optical Instrumentation for Cryogenic Super-Resolution Microscopy (cryo-PALM) H/F

Executive

36

Would you like to design, assemble and optimise optical instruments for microscopy at very low temperatures? Join us as a engineer on a three-year fixed-term contract within the ANR EPIC project. You will develop and improve a cryo-PALM microscope and help establish reliable cryogenic sample transfers between fluorescence and electron microscopy at IBS/IRIG

As a engineer, your responsibilities will include:

• Design, assemble, align and optimise the optical systems of the cryo-PALM microscope: excitation and emission paths, photon collection efficiency, spatial sampling and point spread function (PSF) characterisation.
• Implement and test illumination and acquisition strategies for cryo-FIB lamellae: spatially targeted activation/excitation, reduced sample heating and improved localisation precision for fluorescent molecules.
• Improve, test and document vitrified sample transfers between cryo-FIB/SEM, cryo-PALM and cryo-electron microscopy, maintaining cryogenic conditions and preventing contamination or deformation of the lamellae.
• Implement calibration procedures and help integrate the correlative cryo-PALM/cryo-ET workflow with cryo-EM and image processing specialists; support the evaluation of fluorescent proteins within the project.

We seek an engineer specialising in experimental optics or photonics. You hold an engineering degree (diplôme d’ingénieur or equivalent) or a PhD with strong practical experience in optical instrumentation. Hands‑on experience designing, assembling, 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.

Technical skills

• Strong practical skills in experimental optics, photonics and optical instrumentation.
• Hands‑on experience designing, assembling, aligning and optimising optical setups and integrating scientific instruments.
• Knowledge of fluorescence microscopy, super‑resolution imaging, cryogenic instrumentation or biological applications would be an asset.
• Skills in instrument control, acquisition automation, programming or experimental data processing would be an asset.

Interpersonal skills

• 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.

Good command of spoken and written scientific English to work in an international environment. Knowledge of French is welcome but is not essential.

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.

You may be interested in the benefits that come alongside your main role:

Benefits

• 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.

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.

Site

Grenoble

Job location

Location

Grenoble

Languages

• French (Intermediate)

Recommended training

Requester

01/02/2027

General information

Organisation

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :

• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.

Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, resea