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, 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
Reference
2026-39930
Division description
The Fundamental Research Division (DRF) of the CEA, present across all the CEA's civilian centers, is tasked with conducting research aligned with the CEA's missions in the fields of physics, chemistry, and life sciences — areas in which its excellence is internationally recognised.
Description de l'unité
The Interactions, Dynamics and Lasers Laboratory (LIDYL) conducts fundamental research on laser–matter interaction in high-power / high-intensity and short-pulse regimes. In particular, LIDYL operates state-of-the-art facilities such as UHI100 (10 Hz, 2.5 J, 25 fs), dedicated to secondary radiation generation and particle acceleration through ultra-high-intensity laser–matter interaction, as well as the ATTOLab and Nanolight platforms, which are devoted to ultrafast dynamics studies in gaseous, liquid and solid phases at femtosecond and attosecond timescales.
These installations include laser systems delivering ultrashort infrared pulses ranging from 6 to 30 femtoseconds (one 10-W Titanium:Sapphire system operating at 1 kHz, five Ytterbium lasers delivering 20 to 80 W at 40–150 kHz, and one 15-W OPCPA system operating at 150 kHz at wavelengths of 1.8 and 2.4 µm), secondary attosecond XUV radiation sources generated through high-harmonic generation in gases and solids, as well as experimental stations covering a broad spectrum of applications from attosecond spectroscopy to XUV diffraction imaging.
The SLIC group (Short-Pulse Laser Systems and Support) is responsible for the operation as well as the associated research and development of LIDYL's femtosecond Titanium:Sapphire and Ytterbium laser systems.
Position description
Category
Optics and Optronics
Contract
Permanent contract
Job title
Researcher in Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics H/F
Socio-professional category
Executive
Job description
Are you passionate about laser physics and nonlinear optics, and eager to contribute to scientific excellence? Join the SLIC team (Short-Pulse Laser Systems and Support) at LIDYL as a Research Scientist and carry out high-level experimental research.
You will develop a cutting-edge experimental research programme in femtosecond laser physics and related nonlinear optics, helping to shape the future evolution of LIDYL’s laser platforms.
You will also contribute to the group’s experimental Research and Development programme and may collaborate closely with industrial partners on selected projects.
To a lesser extent, you may occasionally be involved in supporting the operation of laser systems alongside the team members responsible for these activities.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Initiating and developing an original, high-level experimental research programme in femtosecond laser development and associated diagnostics.
• Actively contributing to project development and research of fundings by responding to competitive internal and external calls (national funding agencies, Horizon Europe, internal CEA programmes, etc.).
• Establishing and strengthening collaborations with other national and international laser laboratories.
• Contributing to the evolution of the different laser beamlines (ATTOLab, UHI100, Nanolight) by proposing innovative solutions to address the immediate needs of other LIDYL groups and anticipate their future requirements.
• Supervising interns, PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers.
• Disseminating scientific results at the highest level through publications in leading journals and presentations at international conferences.
Applicant Profile
You hold a PhD in laser physics, with a specialisation in nonlinear optics.
You demonstrate an outstanding scientific track record and have 2 to 5 years of research experience in laser physics, a postdoctoral experience would be an asset.
You possess strong experimental expertise in several of the following areas: the development and design of high-repetition-rate amplified femtosecond laser systems and associated optical components; nonlinear optics; ultrashort-pulse diagnostics and spatio-temporal coupling effects; pulse-compression techniques and temporal-contrast enhancement methods, as well as their related diagnostic tools.
With advanced experimental skills in laser physics, you are comfortable working in complex scientific environments. You show strong adaptability, excellent interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to collaborative research.
Experience in the generation of secondary radiation sources would be considered an asset.
Proven supervision experience, demonstrated scientific and technological creativity, strong scientific writing and communication skills, as well as experience in preparing competitive research proposals and securing funding are expected.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is essential.
Why join us?
By joining IRAMIS, you will become part of a dynamic and innovative environment dedicated to scientific excellence.
…And that’s not all!
Beyond your core responsibilities, you will benefit from:
• A cutting-edge research ecosystem focused on high-impact societal challenges.
• 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 scientific outputs together with a brief research statement
– a research proposal (maximum 4 pages) aligned with the framework described above
– letters of recommendation or the contact details of referees who may be contacted if you are shortlisted
Application deadline: May 31, 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.
Position location
Site
Saclay
Job location
France, Ile-de-France, Essonne (91)
Location
Gif-sur-Yvette
Requester
Position start date
01/10/2026
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