Quantum-mechanical modeling of ultrafast photoexcitation inside semiconductors

Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious French university is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in solid-state physics. This full-time position will involve developing a quantum-mechanical model for femtosecond laser pulse propagation and conducting simulations using Density Functional Theory. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in a related field and possess strong programming skills in Python, Fortran, and Matlab. The role offers a monthly net salary of 2000-2500€ depending on experience and skills, with an application deadline of January 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated candidate for condensed matter physics and photonics interface.
• Academic records/publications in quantum mechanics and solid-state physics required.
• Additional programming skills in Python, Fortran, Matlab, Julia requested.

Responsabilités

• Develop a computational quantum-mechanical model of femtosecond laser pulse propagation.
• Perform quantum-mechanical simulations using Density Functional Theory.
• Model electron excitation and relaxation processes after laser interaction.

Connaissances

Research in quantum mechanics

Solid-state physics

Programming in Python

Programming in Fortran

Programming in Matlab

Programming in Julia

Formation

PhD in physics or closely related field

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne Department Laboratoire Hubert Curien Research Field Physics » Solid state physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 1 Jan 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time 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

A postdoctoral position is available for up to 2 years at Laboratoire Hubert Curien (LabHC) in Saint‑Étienne, France. The postdoc will work in the framework of the international project funded by French National Research Agency in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Physics, Jena, Germany. LabHC is jointly run by the CNRS (The French National Center for Scientific Research) and Jean Monnet University.

Objectives : The objective of the postdoc project is to develop a computationally efficient quantum-mechanical model of a femtosecond laser pulse propagation inside semiconductors such as Si and GaAs. It will be then used to plan and interpret experiments on laser energy deposition in the volume of semiconductors, performed in Germany. The final goal is to better understand and optimize the highly-precise three-dimensional modification of semiconductors, widely used in micro-electronics industry.

Research program :

• Quantum-mechanical simulations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) will be performed to calculate electronic properties of semiconductors (band structure, band gap, transition dipole moments).
• Semiconductor Bloch Equations (SBE) will be used to model electron excitation and relaxation processes after the interaction with an ultrafast infrared laser pulse.
• Unidirectional Pulse Propagation Equation (UPPE) will be coupled with DFT and SBE to describe the nonlinear propagation and estimate the absorbed laser energy.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Solid state physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for working at the interface between condensed matter physics and photonics. The candidate should hold a PhD in physics or closely related field. The candidate must have academic records/publications in the field of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics. Additional programming skills (Python, Fortran, Matlab, Julia, etc.) are requested.

Languages ENGLISH

Additional Information

Monthly net salary 2000-2500€ depending on experience and skills.