Postdoctoral Position in Quantum Optics (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 45 000 - 65 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is seeking a theoretical physicist to develop frameworks for quantum properties in multimode optical systems. The successful candidate will work on projects related to quantum information and contribute to high-impact research. This role requires a PhD in Physics and expertise in continuous-variable quantum optics. The position offers a collaborative environment with major experimental partners and aims to advance quantum communication and sensing technologies.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in continuous-variable quantum optics including squeezing and non-Gaussian states.
• In-depth knowledge of open quantum systems theory and non-Markovian effects.
• Proficiency in symplectic methods and quantum laser theory.

Responsabilités

• Develop theoretical frameworks for quantum property characterization.
• Design and model memory-effect interferometry schemes.
• Collaborate with experimental partners on related projects.

Connaissances

Continuous-variable quantum optics

Open quantum systems theory

Numerical simulations for quantum systems

Team collaboration

Scientific rigor

Formation

PhD in Physics or related field

Outils

Python

MATLAB

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Physique des lasers, atomes et molécules Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 8 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Develop a general theoretical framework for the characterization and measurement of quantum properties (in particular squeezing) of morphing supermodes in driven-dissipative multimode optical systems, encompassing both nonlinear passive platforms and active laser systems. The mission includes the development of conceptual tools, the modelling of potentially non-Markovian phenomena, and the establishment of links with experimental schemes, especially for the design and engineering of memory-effect interferometers (IME) and of de-Gaussification protocols in the morphing-supermode basis.

Main activities:

• Develop a theoretical framework for describing the quantum properties of driven-dissipative multimode optical systems, including the treatment of non-Markovian effects.
• Design and model memory-effect interferometry (IME) schemes and optimize their spectral response for squeezing measurements in the morphing-supermode basis.
• Develop de-Gaussification protocols in the morphing-supermode basis and analyze their performance and experimental signatures.

Secondary activities:

• Collaborate closely with the project's experimental partners to connect theoretical models with the available experimental architectures.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific articles and present results at conferences, consortium meetings, and seminars.
• Supervise or support Master's students (M2 level) on theoretical or modeling aspects related to the project.

The position is part of the 3-year ANR PRCI GANDALF project, dedicated to exploiting multipartite entanglement in the continuous-variable regime for applications in quantum information, distributed quantum sensing, and quantum communication. The project aims to develop new experimental and conceptual tools for the full characterization of multimode quantum states of light, relying in particular on the memory-effect interferometer (IME) as a fundamental analysis tool.

The position is based at the PhLAM Laboratory (UMR 8523, University of Lille), located on the university's science campus and bringing together a broad community of researchers, faculty members, engineers and PhD students working in photonics, quantum optics, nonlinear dynamics and complex systems. The postdoctoral researcher will join the Quantum Systems group and will work under the scientific supervision of Giuseppe Patera.

The work will take place within a strongly collaborative environment, in close interaction with two major experimental partners: the team of Virginia D'Auria at INPHYNI (Nice), specializing in integrated photonics on silicon platforms, and the team of Olivier Pfister at the University of Virginia, which develops nonclassical light sources in free-space optics. These two groups will experimentally demonstrate large-scale continuous-variable multipartite entanglement, while the theoretical team at PhLAM will provide modelling, interpretation and validation of the generated states and protocols.

Technical skills:

• Strong expertise in continuous-variable quantum optics (squeezing, non-Gaussian states, multimode transformations).
• In-depth knowledge of open quantum systems theory and the modelling of non-Markovian effects.
• Proficiency in symplectic methods (Bloch–Messiah decomposition, covariance matrices, modal analyses).
• Good understanding of quantum laser theory and driven-dissipative systems.

Modelling and computational skills:

• Ability to develop original theoretical models for complex multimode optical systems.
• Proven experience with numerical simulations for quantum systems (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
• Ability to design and analyze algorithms and computational tools for the dynamics and characterization of quantum states.

Methodological skills:

• Ability to connect theoretical modelling with experimental signatures and measurement protocols.
• Strong scientific rigor and the ability to critically assess hypotheses and results.

Interpersonal and transversal skills:

• Ability to work effectively in a team, including with experimental partners in an international consortium.
• Ability to communicate complex results clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Capacity to write scientific articles in English and to present work at international conferences.
• Expected level of autonomy: moderate to high autonomy in conducting the research project.