Postdoctoral application in soft matter physics - Liquid crystals with a twist: Physical design, optical properties and applications in biomimicry
Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
CDD
Temps-plein
Il y a 2 mois
Offer DescriptionWe seek a highly motivated applicant interested in questions about the research topics “Physics of chiral cholesteric liquid crystals: design, optics and structure” and “Biological liquid crystals with their biomimetic versions”.The experimental methods include a strong effort in the physical design of cholesteric samples with a complex twist by soft matter methods, associated with spectrophotometry, advanced optical microscopy and image analysis.The principal supervisor, Michel Mitov, CNRS Research Director, leads the research subject, which brings together concepts from soft matter science, liquid crystal physics, optics of chiral liquid crystals, biological cholesterics, and biomimetic liquid crystals. The topic addresses the link between the optical features and structure of designed materials as disclosed by complementary microscopy (SEM, TEM, AFM). As a member of the Complex Photonic Materials and Systems team, the post-doctoral researcher will benefit from the expertise of researchers who specialize in ultrafast optics, nanophotonics, and the physical properties of optical materials developed to meet the challenges of modern photonics.RequirementsResearch Field Physics » Condensed matter properties Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/QualificationsThe applicant must be strongly interested about experimental work and possess tenacity. (S)he will be autonomous and communicative, combining curiosity with a thorough education in physics, physical chemistry, or materials science. Prior knowledge and experience in soft matter physics or chemistry are solid assets. Knowledge in liquid crystal science is welcome but not required (the supervisor will provide the appropriate training). Prior quantitative research methods and practical work in labs would be beneficial. Good knowledge and understanding of materials physics and chemistry, including polarized light optics, spectrophotometry, and light-matter interactions are assets.Specific RequirementsThe post-doctoral work's will consist of creating cholesteric liquid crystals comprising singular twisted structures with a: non-monotonous pitch; variable orientation of the axis of symmetry; double helicity; combination of several of these geometries. This development work will be accompanied by the study of the optical properties of biomimetic films and their small-scale structure, by electron or near-field microscopy in collaboration with experts in the field.Languages ENGLISH Level GoodLanguages FRENCH Level Mother TongueResearch Field Physics » Condensed matter propertiesEngineering » Materials engineeringChemistry » Physical chemistry Years of Research Experience 1 - 4Additional InformationBenefitsAt the end of her/his post-doctoral period, the researcher will be able to master the full chain: design of optical films of complex-twisted liquid crystals, elucidation of their chiro-optical properties and their structure determined by different microscopy techniques, by himself and in relation with specialists in the field. Depending on the progress of the research work, the activity may extend to prototyping in conjunction with researchers specializing in optical sensors and robotics. The research project is a multi-faceted research topic, the results of which could lead to an applied and topical problem, that of guiding a fleet of autonomous vehicles, with strong potential for valorization in academic and industrial circles.Eligibility criteriaThe applicant must be strongly interested about experimental work and possess tenacity. (S)he will be autonomous and communicative, combining curiosity with a thorough education in physics, physical chemistry, or materials science. Prior knowledge and experience in soft matter physics or chemistry are solid assets. Knowledge in liquid crystal science is welcome but not required (the supervisor will provide the appropriate training). Prior quantitative research methods and practical work in labs would be beneficial. Good knowledge and understanding of materials physics and chemistry, including polarized light optics, spectrophotometry, and light-matter interactions are assets.Selection processApplications should include a CV, a list of publications, contact information of two referees, a link to the pdf version of the PhD thesis, and a statement of interests about the present proposal. Please send your application, or any inquiry, by email to in one pdf-file.The deadline to apply is 15th June 2024 but may be closed in advance as soon as an applicant corresponding to the expectations of the position would be selected. Applicants who have decided to apply are advised to do so without delay.Additional commentsThe full version of the offer is available via an email to the supervisor.Work Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Université Côte d'Azur and CNRS Country France City Nice Postal Code 06200 Street 17 rue Julien-Laupretre GeofieldWhere to apply E-mailmichel.mitov@univ-cotedazur.frContact CityNice WebsiteStreet28 avenue ValroseSTATUS: EXPIRED