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
2025-36639
Division description
The mission of the CEA's Fundamental Research Division, which is based at all the CEA's civilian centres, is to carry out research in line with the CEA's missions in the fields of physics, chemistry and life sciences, areas in which its excellence is recognised worldwide.
Attached to the CEA's Fundamental Research Division (DRF), IRAMIS focuses on new energy
technologies, quantum technologies, new materials, complex systems and radiation-matter interaction.
Description de l'unité
The "Irradiated Solids" laboratory name comes from the history of the unit, strongly influenced by the study of irradiation effects on materials for nuclear. The name still refers to the thematic always developed at LSI, which include the study of excitations in solids, the modification of materials and their properties by controlled introduction of defects, the use of defects as a probe of the fundamental state, and nanomaterials obtained and/or structured by irradiation.
The LSI (Irradiated Solids Laboratory) is a joint research unit of the CEA, the CNRS and the Ecole polytechnique.
Position description
Category
Intrumentation, metrology and control
Contract
Fixed-term contract
Job title
Post-Doctoral Position in Quantum Materials Research H/F
Socio-professional category
Executive
Contract duration (months)
24
Job description
Join Our Team
Would you like to help crack the secrets behind high-temperature superconductivity and explore exotic states of matter like quantum spin liquids? We are seeking a bold and curious postdoc to pioneer next-generation thermal transport experiments on the micro-nano scale at École Polytechnique, France.
Why This Position Is Exciting
High-temperature superconductivity and quantum spin liquids stand at the forefront of condensed matter physics. By joining our team at École Polytechnique, you will be at the heart of these discoveries, developing a next-generation thermal transport technique at the micro-nano scale to probe the most elusive phenomena in quantum materials.
Group
Pr. Gaël Grissonnanche’s group is freshly installed on the École Polytechnique campus. Our lab is equipped with two new cryostats ranging from room temperature to millikelvin and can reach large magnetic fields. Our expertise lies in electric, thermoelectric, and thermal experiments for studying quantum materials in extreme conditions. https://gaelgrissonnanche.com/
Key Responsibilities
Engineer Novel Thermometers: Design and nanofabricate innovative thin-film thermometers in cleanroom.
Perform High-Precision Measurements: Implement fast, next-generation thermal techniques to investigate unconventional superconductors and spin liquids.
Collaborate and Innovate: Work closely with an energetic research team, exchanging ideas that fuel discoveries in quantum materials.
Share Your Discoveries: Publish and present your groundbreaking results in leading journals and international conferences.
Applicant Profile
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with cleanroom nanofabrication.
Familiarity with transport experiments (thermal, electrical) is a plus.
Strong analytical and programming skills (Python preferred).
Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
Passion for exploring the frontiers of condensed matter physics.
What We Offer
· Pioneering Research Environment: Leverage world-class facilities at Laboratoire des Solides Irradiés, including a specialized electron irradiator for controlled materials disordering.
· Professional Growth: Enhance your research profile while developing expertise in nanofabrication, advanced thermal techniques, and quantum materials.
· Global Collaboration & Exposure: Collaborate with national and international partners, building a robust network for your career.
· Life in Paris & Beyond: Work on a vibrant campus just 20 km from the heart of Paris, enjoying the city’s cultural and scientific dynamism.
Application & Additional Information
- Duration: minimum 24 Months
- Start Date: as soon as possible
- Supervisor: Prof. Gaël Grissonnanche (gael.grissonnanche@polytechnique.edu)
Ready to Explore the Frontiers of Quantum Matter?
Send your CV, publication list, and a one-page cover letter detailing your research experience and motivation for joining this project. Please include contact information for three references.
École Polytechnique is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in our community. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Position location
Site
Saclay
Job location
France, Ile-de-France, Essonne (91)
Location
palaiseau
Candidate criteria
Recommended training
Doctorat
Requester
Position start date
01/09/2025