Postdoctoral position (M/F): Atom Interferometry in microgravity : from ground based test platforms to space

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 42 000 - 52 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

CNRS, through the Laboratoire Photonique Numérique&Nanosciences, invites applications for a first-stage postdoctoral researcher. The role focuses on producing atom interferometers with long interrogation times for space-relevant applications and leading related experiments on the ICE setup.

The successful candidate will contribute to the CARIOQA PMP project, develop quantum sensor models, and collaborate with CNES facilities in Toulouse to validate performance.

Qualifications

• Experimental and theoretical skills in atom interferometry and ultra-cold atoms

Responsabilités

• Production of atom interferometers with long interrogation times on the ICE experiment.
• Involvement in the CARIOQA PMP project and testing at CNES facilities in Toulouse.

Connaissances

Atom interferometry

Ultra-cold atoms

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire Photonique Numérique&Nanosciences Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 17 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 18 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

In the context of space applications, the first objective of the postdoctoral researcher is the production of atom interferometers with long interrogation times on the ICE experiment. He will lead this experimental work focusing on Rubidium atom interferometers on the 0g simulator.

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in the European project CARIOQA PMP, aiming to develop an engineering model of a spatial atomic accelerometer. The experimental activities under the responsibility of the postdoc play an essential role to validate the functioning of this future spatial quantum sensor. Moreover, its expertise in atom interferometry in microgravity will contribute to the tests which will be done on the engineering model at CNES facilities in Toulouse.

These quantum sensors are seriously considered for measurement campaigns of the Earth gravity field. Studies about potential missions of geodesy benefiting from the high sensitivity and precision of the cold atom interferometers are led by the space agencies (CNES and ESA). The experiments conducted by the postdoctoral researcher will allow to demonstrate the key elements for the future spatial atomic accelerometer: collimated atomic sources with ultra low velocity dispersion, atom interferometry with long interrogation times, detection of very diluted quantum gases, study of the systematic errors....The experiments on the 0g simulator will allow to test the models which will be used for the future space missions.

Experimental and theoretical skills in atom interferometry and ultra-cold atoms