Post-doc in Physics - Tensorial mechanical response of soft-glassy materials M/F

Job Description

Missions

- Tensorial mechanical response of soft-glassy materials -

This project explores the mechanical behavior of soft-glassy materials—such as gels, foams, emulsions, and biological tissues—that transition from solid-like to fluid-like states under stress. These yield-stress fluids (YSFs) exhibit complex responses that are not fully captured by traditional rheological methods, especially under time- and direction-dependent deformation histories. The core objective of the project is to investigate how these materials respond when subjected to non-trivial 2D flow paths, similar to those encountered in practical processes like mixing, pumping, or vibrating.

To achieve this, the candidate will contribute to the development of a novel experimental setup: a custom-designed 2D tensorial rheometer. This device will allow for precise control and measurement of shear forces in multiple directions, revealing components of stress that are orthogonal to the applied deformation—a sign of internal anisotropy and memory effects in the material. Through advanced experiments on microgels and concentrated emulsions, the candidate will help uncover how such complex flow histories influence the elasto-plastic response at the macroscopic scale.

This research will generate high-quality data to support theoretical modeling efforts with collaborators in Grenoble, and aims to identify optimized flow protocols that reduce energy dissipation. The position is based at the Institut de Physique de Nice and will begin in September 2026. Candidates should have strong experimental skills in fluid or continuum mechanics and an interest in soft matter physics.

Activity

(i) The recruited researcher will develop a new tensorial rheometer dedicated to measuring the elasto-plastic tensorial stress response of yield-stress fluids (YSFs) subjected to complex, non-trivial two-dimensional flow histories.

(ii) They will measure the macroscopic tensorial response of concentrated emulsions and microgels subjected to precisely controlled two-dimensional deformation histories, in order to inform and validate the models developed by our partners in Grenoble.

(iii) They will propose new complex deformation histories aimed at reducing plastic dissipation in yield-stress fluid flows.

Your Profil

Skills

Candidates should have strong experimental skills in fluid mechanics or continuum mechanics, as well as a strong interest in soft matter physics.

Your Work Environment

The Institut de Physique de Nice (INPHYNI) is a multidisciplinary research center located in the south of France, affiliated with Université Côte d'Azur and the CNRS. It brings together physicists, engineers, and applied mathematicians working at the interface of optics, complex systems, fluid mechanics, and soft matter physics.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between 3071.50€ and 4714.39€ gross per month, 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

The research professions