Postdoctoral Research Associate (M/F)

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research; France; Presencial; EUR 42.000 - 56.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research in France seeks a Recognised Researcher (R2) to advance theoretical and simulation models for self-assembly of rod-shaped plasmonic nanoparticles. The position focuses on dynamic plasmonic chiral liquid crystals, bridging theory and experimental collaboration, with opportunities to present at international conferences and publish in top journals.

The role requires a PhD in a related field, strong team collaboration skills, and proven expertise in

Formación

• PhD in Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field.
• Research oriented attitude and ability to work in a team.
• Experience with statistical mechanics of soft matter.
• Strong expertise in computer simulations (Monte Carlo and/or MD).

Responsabilidades

• Develop coarse grained models and run large-scale simulations to link nanorod shape and interactions with liquid crystal self-assembly.
• Set up statistical mechanical models (second-virial or free-volume theories) for nanorod phase behavior.
• Collaborate with experimental teams and integrate new findings into their workflow.
• Attend international conferences and publish in high-impact journals.

Conocimientos

Monte Carlo simulations

Molecular Dynamics simulations

Soft matter physics

Statistical mechanics

Educación

PhD in Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire de Physique des Solides Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 1 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 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

The project focuses on advancing dynamic plasmonic chiral liquid crystals (CLC). Its goals include studying their formation, phase behavior, dynamics, and collective optical properties. The project combines experiments and theory & numerical simulations to explore how nanoparticle geometry (shape, aspect ratio, chirality, and chemical environment) influences liquid-crystalline order. These systems offer potential for reconfigurable optical materials, enabling applications like tunable linear dichroism. Such optical responses can be controlled via external stimuli, including electric/magnetic fields, light, temperature, or chemical changes. The project bridges soft matter physico-chemistry with materials exhibiting novel physical properties.

Develop coarse grained models and run large-scale simulations to link nanorod shape and interactions with liquid crystal self-assembly.

Set up statistical mechanical models (based on second-virial or free-volume theories) to address the role of depleting agents on nanorod phase behavior.

Collaborate with the experimental teams and integrate new findings into their workflow

Attend international conferences and publish in high-impact scientific journals

We are looking for a PDRA to work on theoretical and simulation models that improve our understanding of the self-assembly of rod-shaped plasmonic nanoparticles and guide further experiments.

A PhD degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline.

A research oriented attitude

Ability to work in a team and collaborate with experimental partners in the consortium.

Research background in statistical mechanics of soft matter.

Strong expertise in computer simulations (Monte Carlo and/or Molecular Dynamics) is essential.