Fifteen-month postdoctoral fellow in materials science (renewable)

Fifteen-month postdoctoral fellow in materials science (renewable)

RESEARCHER PROFILE: Postdoc / R2: PhD holders
RESEARCH FIELD(S): Physics
MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES: Engineering

JOB / OFFER DESCRIPTION:
This position is part of the ECOPOL project funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) and the Agence Innovation Défense (AID), involving the Institut des Sciences du Mouvement (ISM UMR7287), the Institut Matériaux Microélectroniques Nanosciences de Provence (IM2NP UMR7334) and the Marseille-based SME SOLNIL. The project leader is Julien Serres, full professor at Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.

The ECOPOL project aims to develop an optical compass to guarantee heading detection when navigating autonomous mobile robots. Currently, these robots use magnetic fields or GPS, but environmental conditions can severely hamper their accuracy. ECOPOL introduces a third sensory modality, inspired by insects, exploiting polarized ultraviolet light from the sky. The optical compass will be based on zinc oxide photodetectors.

The candidate will have a PhD in materials science with advanced knowledge of fabrication techniques, characterization techniques, and the design of ultraviolet-sensitive zinc oxide-based photosensors; and will be responsible for defining the size of the photosensor array using a simulator, then building a prototype in partnership with SOLNIL, and finally carrying out various characterization tests at ISM and IM2NP.

Activities within the structure as part of the project:

1. Simulation of photosensors - polarization pattern developed at ISM to define the size of the photosensor array required to achieve a heading detection accuracy objective. This simulation will also be used to develop an ECOPOL firmware that calculates absolute heading from optical information.
2. Development of advanced UV photosensors based on zinc oxide (ZnO) with integrated interdigitated electrodes, with the help of IM2NP and SOLNIL.

TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30/06/2025 23:59
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/09/2025
ENVISAGED DURATION: 15 months (renewable once)
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME

WORK LOCATION(S):

WHAT WE OFFER:

The employer will reimburse part of the cost of the monthly public transport pass for regular journeys between the local home (in the Aix-Marseille area) and the workplace.

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• Expertise in the development of thin films by sol-gel methods (pure and doped), using spin-coating and immersion techniques, particularly for zinc oxide (ZnO);
• Strong experience of working in cleanrooms is therefore expected.
• Skills in semiconductors, doping, transparent conducting oxides, and interdigitated electrodes;
• Mastery of advanced optical, morphological, and electrical characterization techniques;
• Multiphysics simulation tool;
• Scientific paper writing;

Appreciated:

• Data processing and simulation in Matlab or Python;
• Proficiency in an office suite (e.g., Microsoft Office) and the LaTeX editor;
• Professional English;
• Teamwork;
• Stress management;
• Organizational Skills;
• Problem-Solving Skills;

REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS:

Research work will be carried out on technology platforms and in clean rooms in restricted zones (ZRR). Aix Marseille Université's Security and Defense Officer (SDF) will authorize the candidate to take up his or her duties two months before the effective start date of the contract.

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Job details

Title: Fifteen-month postdoctoral fellow in materials science (renewable)

Published: 2025-03-27

Application Deadline: 2025-06-30 23:59 (Europe/Paris)