Are you passionate about high-intensity laser–matter interaction and relativistic optics, and eager to contribute to scientific excellence? Join the PHI laboratory (High-Intensity Physics) as a Research Scientist and carry out experimental research at the highest international level.

You will be responsible in particular for developing and optimising plasma mirrors to control extreme light, as well as laser-driven particle sources based on promising approaches. You will leverage the unique capabilities of the UHI100 platform (a 100-TW class Ti:Sapphire laser whose power will soon be upgraded to 200 TW) at LIDYL, as well as other multi-PW experimental facilities in France and abroad.

While the activity is primarily experimental, it may also include a numerical component. In all cases, you will benefit from strong support from group members specialised in numerical modelling, who develop their own Particle-In-Cell (PIC) codes designed to fully exploit the capabilities of next-generation supercomputers.

In particular, you will have the opportunity to develop research activities linked to the ERC Synergy project NP-QED (“Probing the Non-Perturbative Regime of Quantum Electrodynamics with Extreme Light”), led by Henri Vincenti, which aims to explore the limits of strong-field quantum electrodynamics (SF-QED).

You will join a leading international research environment within the PHI group. You will develop innovative research projects, contribute to securing national and European fundings, and take part in the evolution of the UHI100 platform. The position involves strong interaction with academic and industrial partners, as well as active participation in the group’s scientific life and in the training and supervision of early-career researchers (interns, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows).

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing an original, world-class experimental research activity in the field of ultra-high-intensity laser–matter interaction, initially connected to the ERC Synergy NP-QED project, leveraging not only the performance of the UHI100 laser platform but also that of other multi-PW laser facilities (Apollon, ELI-NP, etc.).

• Responding to national and international funding calls in order to develop new research projects and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the group’s scientific activity.

• Building and strengthening collaborations at both national and international levels.

• Actively contributing to the scientific life of the group, as well as to the supervision, mentoring and training of students, PhD and post-doctoral researchers.

You hold a PhD in high-intensity laser–matter interaction physics, with or without postdoctoral experience.

Expertise in laser–plasma interaction at solid density will be considered a strong asset, as will research experience related to strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED).

You are a motivated and passionate experimental physicist, with strong responsiveness and initiative. You enjoy teamwork, possess solid scientific writing and communication skills in English, and are able to promote the visibility of your research activity at the international level.

Why join us?

By joining IRAMIS, you will become part of a dynamic and innovative environment dedicated to scientific excellence. You will have the opportunity to learn, grow professionally, and play a key role in supporting researchers and monitoring scientific projects within a leading research institute.

…And that’s not all!

Beyond your core responsibilities, you will benefit from:

• A cutting-edge research ecosystem focused on topics with major societal impact.
• Training opportunities to strengthen your skills and accelerate your career development.
• A recognised work–life balance, supported by teleworking options once sufficient autonomy has been achieved.
• Access to a comprehensive employee benefits programme covering social, cultural and sports activities.
• Practical advantages such as an on-site company restaurant, 75% reimbursement of public transport costs, dedicated shuttle services from Paris, and much more.

Interested in joining the adventure? Apply now and put your energy at the service of research and innovation!

Please submit your application including:
– a CV
– a cover letter outlining your acquired skills and their relevance to the position
– a list of achievements and outputs (publications, conference presentations, awards, etc.), including a brief description of your most significant personal contributions (conceptual, technical, etc.)
– a research proposal (maximum 4 pages) aligned with the framework described above
– the contact details of three referees who may be contacted if you are shortlisted

Application deadline: May 31, 2026
Expected start date: October 1, 2026

In line with the CEA’s commitments to the inclusion of people with disabilities, this position is open to all candidates. The CEA provides workplace accommodations and organisational arrangements to support the inclusion of employees with disabilities.