Postdoctoral position on optical detection of ferroelectric domains in 2D materials M/F

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A French research institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for cutting-edge investigations in nanophotonics and 2D materials research, focused on developing optical methods for ferroelectric domains. Candidates should have a PhD in physics or related fields, and strong experience in experimental optics and spectroscopy. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to work in a dynamic, internationally recognized research group on the French Riviera.

Prestations

Competitive postdoctoral salary

Opportunity for professional development

Access to world-class facilities

Qualifications

• PhD degree or equivalent in relevant fields.
• Strong background in experimental optics and spectroscopy.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and languages.

Responsabilités

• Lead efforts to detect and characterize ferroelectric domains.
• Design optical setups for spatially and time-resolved measurements.
• Collaborate to correlate optical data with atomic configurations.

Connaissances

Experimental optics

Spectroscopy

Data analysis

Scientific programming (Python)

Research excellence

Formation

PhD in physics or related field

Outils

Cryogenic optical instruments

Micro-photoluminescence tools

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Centre de recherche sur l'hétéroepitaxie et ses applications Research Field Chemistry Physics Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 16 Dec 2025 - 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

When two 2D crystals are stacked with a small twist, the resulting heterostructure can exhibit remarkable properties. Notably, a non-ferroelectric insulator can become ferroelectric solely due to interlayer sliding—without chemical modification. This gives rise to nanoscale out-of-plane ferroelectric domains whose optical signatures remain largely unexplored. The primary goal of this postdoctoral position is to develop and refine optical methods to detect, image, and analyze ferroelectric domains in 2D ferroelectric heterostructures. You will employ advanced cryogenic micro-spectroscopy, and reflection contrast imaging to visualize domain structures and their dynamics in real time. This work will shed light on the interplay between ferroelectric order, interlayer excitons, and dielectric environment, revealing how local optical responses correlate with polarization states. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms will pave the way for all‑optical approaches to probe and potentially manipulate ferroelectricity in 2D materials.

What We Offer

• A competitive postdoctoral salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• The opportunity to work in a dynamic, internationally recognized research group with access to world‑class facilities.
• A vibrant research environment on the French Riviera, offering an exceptional quality of life and proximity to leading research institutions.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, networking, and career advancement.
• The chance to present your research at international conferences and publish in leading scientific journals.
• Close collaboration with top researchers in the 2D materials community across the 2DFERROPLEX consortium (Barcelona, Manchester, Munich, Strasbourg, Prague).

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental efforts to detect and characterize ferroelectric domains using optical techniques, including reflection and photoluminescence.
• Design and implement optical setups for spatially resolved and time‑resolved measurements of ferroelectric behavior.
• Collaborate with theorists and materials scientists to correlate optical observables with atomic‑scale domain configurations and switching mechanisms.
• Maintain and optimize cryogenic optical instruments and participate in the fabrication of high‑quality 2D heterostructures.
• Contribute to publications, mentoring, and consortium collaborations as in the original offer.

Our state‑of‑the‑art cryo‑optics lab covers 100m² and includes cutting‑edge tools such as a fully functional cryostat for micro‑photoluminescence, reflection spectroscopy, and optoelectrical measurements. We also have a fully equipped FabLab dedicated to building custom van der Waals heterostructures, which are essential for the assembly of quantum devices. These advanced facilities will enable the intern to contribute to groundbreaking experimental research directly.

The 2D+ Research Group at CRHEA, located on the French Riviera near Nice, France, is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team working at the forefront of nanophotonics and 2D materials research. We offer a unique opportunity to lead cutting‑edge investigations into emerging phenomena such as sliding ferroelectricity, ultra‑low‑threshold nonlinear photonics, and exciton engineering. This position is part of the European‑funded 2DFERROPLEX consortium, bringing together leading experts in the field.

Qualifications

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in physics, photonics, condensed matter physics, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in experimental optics, spectroscopy, or nanophotonics.
• Demonstrated track record of research excellence through publications and/or conference presentations.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific programming (Python or similar).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); French language skills are advantageous but not required.