Epitaxial growth of Fe and Co thin films for ultrafast magnetization dynamics (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The scientific project will focus on the epitaxial growth of iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co) thin films by physical vapor deposition (PVD), together with their structural and magnetic characterization. The aim is to prepare high-quality model metallic systems and use them to investigate the fundamental mechanisms governing ultrafast magnetization dynamics on femtosecond and picosecond timescales.
The work will be carried out within the SPIN team at Institut Jean Lamour. It is part of the team's research on high-quality magnetic-film growth, interface engineering, nanomagnetism and spintronics, with particular emphasis on the link between atomic-scale structure, magnetic properties and ultrafast spin dynamics.

Activity

• Develop and optimize epitaxial growth protocols for Fe and Co thin films by PVD under ultra-high-vacuum conditions.
• Control film thickness, crystallinity, morphology and interface quality, and establish correlations between growth parameters and material properties.
• Perform structural and morphological characterization using appropriate methods, including X-ray diffraction and reflectometry, surface microscopy and electron-diffraction techniques, depending on available equipment.
• Characterize the static and dynamic magnetic properties of the samples using techniques such as MOKE, VSM/SQUID and time-resolved measurements.
• Contribute to ultrafast magnetization-dynamics experiments, including femtosecond pump-probe magnetometry and/or terahertz-emission measurements.
• Analyze and model experimental data, document procedures, prepare scientific publications and present results at conferences and project meetings.

Your Profil

Skills

• PhD in condensed-matter physics, materials science, nanoscience, spintronics or a closely related field.
• Strong experience in thin-film growth by PVD; experience with epitaxial growth and ultra-high-vacuum systems will be highly valued.
• Experience in the structural and/or magnetic characterization of thin films.
• Experience with ultrafast methods, femtosecond optics, time-resolved MOKE or terahertz spectroscopy would be an advantage.
• Ability to work independently, strong experimental and analytical skills, scientific rigor and a collaborative mindset.
• Good written and spoken English.

Your Work Environment

Institut Jean Lamour (IJL) is a joint research unit of CNRS and Université de Lorraine. Its research covers materials science and engineering, metallurgy, plasmas, surfaces, nanomaterials and electronics.
In 2026, IJL has 258 permanent staff and 389 non-permanent staff from more than 70 nationalities. It collaborates with over 150 industrial partners and operates exceptional experimental platforms across four sites, the main one being located on the ARTEM campus in Nancy.
The project will be hosted by the SPIN team, which conducts research in nanomagnetism, spintronics, magnetic thin films, interface engineering and ultrafast magnetization dynamics.

Constraints and risks

The position involves work with vacuum and ultra-high-vacuum deposition systems, gases and magnetic fields, and may include experiments using class-4 lasers. Strict compliance with laboratory safety procedures and the use of appropriate protective equipment are required.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3.072,00€ gross monthly

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