M/F Researcher on development of high-repetition rate intense THz sources and application for material analysis

Job Description

Missions

The CORIA laboratory is inviting applications for a fixed-term research position within the framework of the TERA-SEED project, funded by the Normandy Region. The project aims to develop a novel nanometric scale tomography technique providing high chemical resolution for the investigation of biological and pharmaceutical systems. This approach is based on Atom Probe Tomography (APT) and builds upon recent developments jointly achieved by the GPM and CORIA laboratories within the EIC Pathfinder project MIMOSA. It relies on the use of single-cycle THz pulses to drive APT analyses without inducing thermal effects, thereby enabling enhanced analytical performance. Significant progress has already been made in the development of THz-assisted APT. However, the analysis of biomaterials still faces several scientific and technological challenges, particularly those associated with the limited power of pulsed THz sources and with the preparation of biological specimens. The TERA-SEED project therefore aims to further advance the development of high-intensity, high-repetition-rate THz sources, while also implementing innovative techniques for biomaterials shaping at the nanometric scale.

Activity

The successful candidate will be involved in the development and prototyping of a high-intensity pulsed THz source tailored to the requirements of field-induced ion evaporation. Research conducted within the MIMOSA project has demonstrated the feasibility of THz-assisted APT. This proof of concept relied on a THz source based on a lithium niobate crystal and producing sub-picosecond single-cycle THz pulses with electric field amplitudes reaching several hundred kV/cm. The generation scheme is based on a tilted pulse-front pumping architecture employing a stair-step mirror coupled to a high-average-power ytterbium femtosecond laser. The TERA-SEED project aims to explore new approaches for generating high-amplitude THz pulses. Particular emphasis will be placed on two-color plasma-based THz generation driven by femtosecond infrared laser pulses. These developments will benefit from the state-of-the-art laser facilities available at CORIA and GPM. The successful candidate will play an active role in the design, development, and optimization of these innovative THz sources. He/she will also be involved in the characterization of their performance and their integration with an atom probe tomography instrument. In addition, he/she will contribute to the dissemination and promotion of the project's outcomes through scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate should hold a master's degree in the fields of optics or applied physics, with theoretical and experimental skills in THz science and technology. Experience with ultrafast lasers and/or ultrafast optics would be highly appreciated. The research involves the design and construction of pulsed THz sources, as well as the collection and analysis of data within the framework of a collaborative project. The candidate should have an affinity for working in multidisciplinary teams. Indeed, they will play an active role in this collaboration by interacting with various partner laboratories involved in the MIMOSA project.

Your Work Environment

CORIA is a Joint Research Unit (UMR) affiliated with the Institute of Engineering and Systems (INSIS) of CNRS, the University of Rouen Normandy, and the Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) of Rouen Normandy. It is located at the Madrillet technopole, near Rouen. CORIA's research domains encompass both fundamental and applied studies in photonics, turbulence, atomization, and reactive flows. The recruited person will join the Optics and Lasers Department of CORIA.
The position falls within a sector related to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore, in accordance with regulations, your arrival must be authorized by the competent authority of MESR.

Constraints and risks

As the position involves significant exposure to high-power lasers, the successful candidate will be required to complete laser safety training. In addition, short-term travel within France and abroad is expected.
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Closing date for the receipt of applications July 21 2026

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 3.041,58 and 4.216,70 € gross monthly depending 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

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