Post-Doctoral - Multi‐scale atomistic simulations for NbN semiconductors (H/F)

ENSICAEN; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious research institution in France is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher to work on atomistic simulations related to niobium nitride phases. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in computational physics or theoretical chemistry and demonstrate proficiency in simulation software like Quantum Espresso and LAMMPS. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative projects in semiconductor technology and will start on March 1, 2026, lasting for 9 months.

Qualifications

• Must hold a PhD in computational physics or related field.
• Experience in atomistic simulation is a requirement.
• Ability to work independently is essential.

Responsabilités

• Run atomistic simulations of NbN phases and interfaces with other nitride materials.
• Help understand the mechanics of polarity inversion in growth.
• Develop a classical model for NbN materials properties.

Connaissances

Knowledge in atomistic simulation software: Quantum Espresso and LAMMPS

Linux based operating system and command line

Good communication skills (English or French)

Programming languages for custom workflow development (C++, Python, Bash)

Formation

PhD in computational physics or theoretical chemistry

Outils

OVITO or VMD

Quantum Espresso

LAMMPS

Description du poste

Organisation/Company ENSICAEN Department CIMAP Research Field Ethics in physical sciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 15 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 2 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

A Postdoctoral position is open in the CIMAP Laboratory dedicated to the study of niobium nitride phases through quantum and classical atomistic simulation.

NPOLAR Project context and goals

NPOLAR is an ANR funded project that aims at developing new kind of semiconductors using niobium nitride (NbN) materials. Semiconductors find uses in a wide variety of applications, either for lighting devices or telecommunication devices, and have known a very large development in the last 50 years. N‑polar GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMT) represent a promising field for high output power with excellent power added efficiency over a wide range of frequencies. One of the specificities of the use of NbN is that it allows for polarity inversion in the deposited layers, which is part of the excellent properties of the resulting transistors.

There are 4 main objectives to the project:

• First demonstration of reliable N‑Polar HEMTs
• Pioneering N‑Face GaN‑on‑Si for RF HEMTs
• Breakthrough Thermal Performance (≥20% Improvement)
• Fundamental Understanding of N‑Face Growth on NbN

Scientific objectives of the position

The position will be involved in objective number 4. The recruited candidate will have to run atomistic simulations of NbN phases and interfaces with other nitride materials (GaN, AlN) at the quantum and classical level. There will be two main goals to this study :

• Help understanding the mechanics of the inversion of polarity when growing other nitride materials on NbN
• Develop a classical model that can represent NbN materials properties as well as their interactions with other materials

These computations will mostly be done using software such as Quantum Espresso, VASP, LAMMPS and/or Gromacs.

The candidate is expected to hold a PhD in computational physics or theoretical chemistry. Other fields with an experience on nitride materials can be considered but numerical and simulation skills are a requirement. The following skills are to be considered:

• Knowledge in atomistic simulation software: Quantum Espresso and LAMMPS in particular
• Knowledge of pre/post processing software for atomistic simulation : OVITO or VMD
• Knowledge of Linux based operating system and command line for simulation campaign management
• Autonomy in the use of programming languages for custom workflow development would be a big plus: C++, Python, Bash (or any other)
• Ability to work in autonomy
• Good communication skills (writing, speaking) in English or French and ability to summarize and present meaningful scientific results.

Languages: French – Good; English – Good

Research Field Ethics in physical sciences

Additional Information

Additional comments The position is funded for 9 months and expected to start on the March 01, 2026. The successful candidate will carry his/her research out at CIMAP Laboratory based in IUT Grand Ouest Normandie at Alençon, under the supervision of: The project coordinator for the CIMAP laboratory part will be Magali MORALES (Associate Pr., Université de Caen Normandie, Caen).

→ Application deadline: January 15, 2026