Postdoctoral position (M/F) with industrial collaboration: "Optimization of a Chemical Mechanical Polishing process"

Job Description

Missions

Many advanced optical instruments used in space applications and for large-scale instruments (ESRF) require mirrors with increasingly demanding performance levels in terms of flatness and roughness. These applications necessitate ever more efficient chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes. To address this need, an R&D project has been launched at a leading company in the field. Its goal is to improve polishing processes to a near-atomic level.

Activity

In this context, the objective of the postdoctoral position is to continue experiments following the completion of a CIFRE PhD thesis. The research will focus on the use of microfluidic systems to analyze the physicochemical and hydrodynamic mechanisms involved in the polishing process in the presence of colloidal silica dispersions. The postdoctoral researcher may also be required to perform force spectroscopy measurements using AFM, rheological measurements, and structural measurements using SAXS and/or SALS. They will be expected to analyze the results, potentially using models and numerical simulations, and compare them to the results obtained at the scale of a polishing pilot plant within the company. This work should contribute to a better understanding of the complex coupling between the physicochemical interactions of silica/silicon and hydrodynamics under high velocity gradients similar to those encountered in the polishing process. The postdoctoral researcher will then be able to use this knowledge to optimize the experiments carried out on the industrial pilot.

Your Profil

Skills

In-depth skills and knowledge of particle transport in fluid flows (Chemical Engineering/Fluid Mechanics) are required for this position. Knowledge of and/or a strong interest in physical chemistry, microfluidics, and materials science will be considered an asset. The candidate should have a particular interest in innovative experiments, physicochemical analysis techniques (AFM, rheology, interferometry), and a strong scientific curiosity. Simulation skills may be useful. The postdoctoral position can begin in April 2026 (depending on candidate availability) at the Chemical Engineering Laboratory (Toulouse, 31), and the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to travel within the company.

Your Work Environment

This CNRS postdoctoral position, with a possible duration of two years, will be carried out within the framework of the France 2030 industrial project at the Chemical Engineering Laboratory UMR CNRS 5503 (Toulouse).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Gross monthly salary beween 3041€ and 4395€ according past postdoctoral experiences.

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

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