Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will perform rheometry experiments coupled with ultrasonic velocimetry to study shear-induced gelation in colloid–polymer suspensions. They will participate in the preparation and physicochemical characterization of the suspensions and implement shear protocols to relate the mechanical properties to the structural evolution of the gel. This work is part of the ANR MS3AC project (Making Soft Solids by Shear-assisted Assembly of Colloids), which aims to understand and control the formation of soft solids under shear.

Activités

- Conduct rheometry experiments coupled with ultrasonic velocimetry to study shear-induced gelation in colloid–polymer suspensions (primary task).

- Modernize and optimize the ultrasonic velocimetry setup, in collaboration with S. Manneville, to improve the data acquisition chain (primary task).

- Prepare and physicochemically characterize the suspensions (colloid–polymer formulation, stability, colloidal interactions) and ensure sample reproducibility (primary task).

- Analyze and interpret rheological and structural data to link mesoscopic evolution to the mechanical response of gels (primary task).

- Collaborate closely with a third-year PhD student working on complementary aspects of the project and actively participate in the research team's dynamics (primary task).

- Contribute to the scientific dissemination of results: writing articles, presenting at conferences, and participating in reports for the ANR MS3AC project (secondary task).

Compétences

- Skilled in experimental rheology techniques (rheometry in linear and nonlinear regimes, shear protocols, sol–gel transition analysis) - expert level desired.

- Strong knowledge of viscoelastic materials and colloidal suspensions, particularly gelation mechanisms - advanced level expected.

- Skills in scientific instrumentation: ability to adapt or modernize an experimental setup (here, ultrasonic velocimetry system) - operational level with high autonomy.

- Ability to analyze and process experimental data (Python, MATLAB, Origin, or equivalent) - proficient level.

- Experimental rigor, critical thinking, and synthesis skills in interpreting results and putting them into context with the scientific literature.

- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, interacting with a PhD student and ANR MS3AC project partners, while demonstrating autonomy in conducting experiments.

- Excellent scientific communication skills, both oral and written in English (presentations, article writing, project reports).

- Optional participation in the summer school “Soft Matter: From Fundamentals to Sensory Perception”, organized at the Institut d'Études Scientifiques de Cargèse in late July 2026, to deepen fundamental knowledge and engage with the international research community.

Contexte de travail

- The position is located at the Laboratoire de Physique of the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (UMR 5672 CNRS-ENS de Lyon), within a dynamic team working on the physics and rheology of soft materials. The team currently includes four PhD students and hosts two to three interns each year during the spring–summer period. Weekly meetings foster scientific exchange, including regular presentations of each member's progress and discussions of results.

The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including several stress- and strain-controlled rheometers, coupled rheometry setups (rheo-electric, rheo-ultrasonic velocimetry), as well as the equipment needed for physicochemical characterization of samples (optical and electron microscopes, AFM, etc.).

The scientific environment at ENS de Lyon is particularly stimulating and collaborative, featuring a weekly colloquium on a wide range of physics topics and a regular seminar on soft matter and hydrodynamics, providing numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and research training.