Postdoc (M/F) in ultrafast photoionization dynamics in molecules

Job Description

Missions

Over the past decade, the field of attoscience has revolutionized our ability to observe the fundamental building blocks of matter, such as electrons, in 'real time'. At its core are light sources based on high-order harmonic generation (HHG), which produce attosecond (1 as = 10^-18 s) pulses in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) range, with photon energies usually spanning from few tens of eVs to few hundred eVs. These ultrashort pulses serve as a powerful tool for studying light-matter interactions, especially relaxation dynamics in the excited states. At the Multiscale Structure & Dynamics of Complex Molecules (DYNAMO) group in Lyon, we use these XUV pulses to investigate ultrafast photoionization dynamics in a diverse range of systems, from atoms and small molecules to complex biomolecules such as peptides and proteins.

Most of these studies utilize linearly polarized, ultrashort light pulses. In the project, the successful candidate will investigate how shaped XUV pulses carrying orbital angular momentum can influence electron dynamics in complex molecules - specifically, whether the orbital angular momentum of the light can be transferred to the system under investigation and how this transfer can be controlled.

Activity

The successful candidate will be expected to optimize the existing experimental setup, develop new methodologies to conduct the proposed experiments, analyze and interpret experimental data in collaboration with fellow researchers in and outside the group, and contribute actively towards meetings, discussions, and other collaborative initiatives.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate must have a PhD in a relevant field awarded within the past two years. The candidate must possess proven expertise in experimental ultrafast optics, and charged-particle spectroscopy (electron/ion).

Your Work Environment

Institute Lumière Matière (iLM) is a CNRS - Université Lyon 1 research unit located on the Lyon Tech La Doua campus. With over 300 staff members, including around 100 doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, iLM is a major player in physics and chemistry research in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is internationally recognized for its research excellence.

In the DYNAMO group, the postdoctoral fellow will have access to advanced equipment, including a commercial femtosecond laser system serving a highly stable Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a state-of-the-art velocity map imaging (VMI) spectrometer, and an electron time-of-flight spectrometer. The position provides rigorous training in attosecond science and offers opportunities to develop interdisciplinary expertise in topics ranging from atomic and molecular physics, to ultrafast optics.

The DYNAMO group fosters well-grounded scientific collaborations at both national and international levels, offering strong networking opportunities to the postdoctoral fellow.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

gross monthly salary between 3 071€ and 4 714€ based on experience

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