Postdoctoral Position Offer (M/F) – Molecular Dynamics Modeling of PVD Layer Growth

Job Description

Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for developing and exploiting molecular dynamics simulations to understand the growth mechanisms of thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering, with or without ion beam assistance (IBAS), particularly for metallic materials (Ag) and oxides (ZnO). Special attention will be given to ion beam-assisted ZnO growth in order to establish relationships between process conditions (energy, flux, temperature) and certain characteristics of the resulting layers, including their microstructure and their in-plane and out-of-plane texture. He/she will also be responsible for coordinating exchanges with the University of Helsinki.

Activity

The candidate will implement atomistic simulations (MD), including the development or use of appropriate interatomic potentials to study adsorption, diffusion, and thin-film growth, as well as ion–matter interactions during deposition, whether ion-assisted or not. He/she will analyze nucleation, growth, and texturing mechanisms as a function of deposition parameters. The work will also include comparison with experimental results obtained by the CIFRE PhD student, as well as dissemination of the results (publications, conferences).

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate must have a strong background in materials physics, atomistic simulation, or numerical modeling. Experience in molecular dynamics and handling force fields is required, ideally applied to thin-film growth by PVD. Skills in data analysis, programming (Python, etc.), and the ability to work at the interface between simulation and experimentation in collaboration with the CIFRE PhD student will be highly appreciated.

Your Work Environment

Saint-Gobain offers innovative solutions for the construction market. Among these, functionalized glazing for enhanced thermal insulation includes multilayer stacks such as ZnO, whose structural characteristics—such as texture—are to be controlled. A PhD student began a CIFRE thesis in January 2026 at SVI, focusing on the study of the various mechanisms involved in ZnO growth. One objective is to identify the key mechanisms, particularly those related to the different ion fluxes involved. A molecular dynamics approach would help provide insights into the interactions between the different parameters governing the ion-assisted growth of this oxide layer. Moreover, a collaboration is underway with the University of Helsinki to further develop these aspects, particularly regarding the interatomic potentials to be used depending on the energy ranges.
The SVI laboratory is a joint research unit between CNRS and Saint-Gobain and is hosted within the Saint-Gobain Innovation Hub Europe. The recruited person will report hierarchically to Hervé Montigaud.

Constraints and risks

no specific risk

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3132 - 4808€

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions