Postdoctoral application in soft matter physics - Liquid crystals with a twist: Physical design, optical properties and applications in biomimicry

29 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Université Côte d'Azur

Research Field

Physics » Condensed matter properties

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

France

Application Deadline

15 Jun 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35.0

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We seek a highly motivated applicant interested in questions about the research topics “Physics of chiral cholesteric liquid crystals: design, optics and structure” and “Biological liquid crystals with their biomimetic versions”.

The experimental methods include a strong effort in the physical design of cholesteric samples with a complex twist by soft matter methods, associated with spectrophotometry, advanced optical microscopy and image analysis.

The principal supervisor, Michel Mitov, CNRS Research Director, leads the research subject, which brings together concepts from soft matter science, liquid crystal physics, optics of chiral liquid crystals, biological cholesterics, and biomimetic liquid crystals. The topic addresses the link between the optical features and structure of designed materials as disclosed by complementary microscopy (SEM, TEM, AFM). As a member of the Complex Photonic Materials and Systems team, the post-doctoral researcher will benefit from the expertise of researchers who specialize in ultrafast optics, nanophotonics, and the physical properties of optical materials developed to meet the challenges of modern photonics.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Condensed matter properties

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The applicant must be strongly interested about experimental work and possess tenacity. (S)he will be autonomous and communicative, combining curiosity with a thorough education in physics, physical chemistry, or materials science. Prior knowledge and experience in soft matter physics or chemistry are solid assets. Knowledge in liquid crystal science is welcome but not required (the supervisor will provide the appropriate training). Prior quantitative research methods and practical work in labs would be beneficial. Good knowledge and understanding of materials physics and chemistry, including polarized light optics, spectrophotometry, and light–matter interactions are assets.

Specific Requirements

The post-doctoral work’s will consist of creating cholesteric liquid crystals comprising singular twisted structures with a: non-monotonous pitch; variable orientation of the axis of symmetry; double helicity; combination of several of these geometries. This development work will be accompanied by the study of the optical properties of biomimetic films and their small-scale structure, by electron or near-field microscopy in collaboration with experts in the field.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Mother Tongue

Research Field

Physics » Condensed matter propertiesEngineering » Materials engineeringChemistry » Physical chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Benefits

At the end of her/his post-doctoral period, the researcher will be able to master the full chain: design of optical films of complex-twisted liquid crystals, elucidation of their chiro-optical properties and their structure determined by different microscopy techniques, by himself and in relation with specialists in the field. Depending on the progress of the research work, the activity may extend to prototyping in conjunction with researchers specializing in optical sensors and robotics. The research project is a multi-faceted research topic, the results of which could lead to an applied and topical problem, that of guiding a fleet of autonomous vehicles, with strong potential for valorization in academic and industrial circles.

Eligibility criteria

The applicant must be strongly interested about experimental work and possess tenacity. (S)he will be autonomous and communicative, combining curiosity with a thorough education in physics, physical chemistry, or materials science. Prior knowledge and experience in soft matter physics or chemistry are solid assets. Knowledge in liquid crystal science is welcome but not required (the supervisor will provide the appropriate training). Prior quantitative research methods and practical work in labs would be beneficial. Good knowledge and understanding of materials physics and chemistry, including polarized light optics, spectrophotometry, and light–matter interactions are assets.

Selection process

Applications should include a CV, a list of publications, contact information of two referees, a link to the pdf version of the PhD thesis, and a statement of interests about the present proposal. Please send your application, or any inquiry, by email to [email protected] in one pdf‑file.

The deadline to apply is 15th June 2024 but may be closed in advance as soon as an applicant corresponding to the expectations of the position would be selected. Applicants who have decided to apply are advised to do so without delay.

Additional comments

The full version of the offer is available via an email to the supervisor.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Université Côte d'Azur and CNRS

Country

France

City

Nice

Postal Code

06200

Street

17 rue Julien-Laupretre

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Nice

Website

http://univ-cotedazur.fr/english
https://inphyni.univ-cotedazur.eu/sites/complex-photonic-systems-and-materials/projects/nouveau-michel

Street

28 avenue Valrose

STATUS: EXPIRED