Expert (M/F) in Electro-Optical Characterization of Photoreceptors for the LISA Mission

Job Description

Missions

The ARTEMIS laboratory is a Joint Research Unit (UMR) under the joint supervision of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), and the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur (OCA). Its main research focus is on physics and detection of gravitational waves, a rapidly expanding field since their first direct observation in 2015.
In this context, the laboratory's researchers, engineers, and technicians are heavily involved in both the science and construction of detectors dedicated to gravitational wave detection, whether ground-based or space-based.

ARTEMIS played a pioneering role in the development of the Franco-Italian Virgo detector, making major contributions to the design and optimization of its laser system. In collaboration with the US-based LIGO detectors, Virgo enabled direct detections of gravitational waves, ushering in a new era in astrophysics.
The laboratory is also strongly committed to two other ambitious projects: (i) Einstein Telescope (ET), a third-generation ground-based detector currently in the design phase; (ii) LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), an ESA space mission that will significantly expand the observation of the Universe through gravitational waves. Complementary to ground-based detectors, LISA will operate in the mHz frequency range, inaccessible from Earth, using a space-based laser interferometer spanning several million kilometers (www.lisamission.org).

France's contribution to the LISA mission is led by the LISA-France community, coordinated by CNES and involving numerous laboratories, including ARTEMIS. France contributes to scientific data analysis, the development of processing tools, and the validation of the interferometric core's performance—a key element for measurement precision.
In this framework, ARTEMIS is responsible for the design and performance testing of photoreceptors, which are critical optoelectronic devices for the mission. These components play an essential role in precisely measuring phase and light intensity variations in the interferometric system, thereby ensuring the reliability and sensitivity of the instrument under space conditions (vacuum, thermal variations, etc.).

The researcher will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of instrumental projects in the fields of semiconductor detectors, associated electronics, fibered and free-space optical systems, as well as near-infrared lasers. The activities will include the optimization, characterization, and operation of these systems for scientific and space applications, in close collaboration with laboratory teams and external partners. In particular, the researcher will be responsible for the electro-optical characterization of photoreceivers intended for the testing of the engineering and qualification models of the LISA instrument, in order to ensure their reliability, sensitivity, and stability in the space environment, in compliance with the mission's extremely demanding requirements.

Activity

Design, develop, calibrate, and operate innovative instrumental test benches (e.g., vacuum optical benches, laser sources, electro-optic modulators, spectrum analyzers, etc.).

Measure and analyze the electro-optical performance of photoreceptors, including:
- Sensitivity (detection threshold, signal-to-noise ratio).
- Spectral response (quantum efficiency, bandwidth).
- Temporal stability (drift, low-frequency noise).
- Frequency response (bandwidth, response time).
- Thermal behavior (temperature stability, temperature coupling coefficients).

Develop testing protocols:
- Design and optimize characterization protocols tailored to LISA's requirements (e.g., tests in simulated space environments).
- Automate measurements (using LabVIEW, Python, or other tools) for efficient data acquisition and analysis.
- Collaborate with photoreceptor design teams to identify limitations and propose improvements.

Data analysis and reporting:
- Process and interpret experimental data (using MATLAB, Python, or dedicated tools).
- Write technical reports and scientific publications on photoreceptor performance.
- Present results at internal meetings, international collaborations (LISA Consortium), and conferences.

Collaborate and coordinate:
- Collaborate with optical and electronic teams at ARTEMIS and CNES, industrial partners (e.g., photoreceptor suppliers) and other laboratories involved in LISA (e.g., APC Paris).
- Participate in design reviews and subsystem integration tests.
- Supervise undergraduate and master's level interns

Your Profil

Skills

Education
- PhD in Physics, Optics, Electronics, or Space Engineering.

Technical Skills
- Characterization of optoelectronic components (photodiodes, photoreceptors, etc.).
- Knowledge of measurement techniques and instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, laser sources, vacuum chambers).
- Data processing (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or equivalent).
- Knowledge of space environments (thermal constraints, vacuum) is a plus.

Transversal Skills
- Scientific English at B2-C1 level (fluent for international collaborations).
- Team spirit and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Autonomy and rigor in conducting experiments and analyzing results.
- Ability to write technical reports and scientific papers

Additional Assets
- Experience in space projects (e.g., LISA Pathfinder).
- Knowledge of space standards (ECSS, NASA).
-Experience in physical modeling of photoreceptors.

Your Work Environment

Work location : ARTEMIS Laboratory, Cote d´Azur Observatory, 96 Boulevard de l'Observatoire, Nice
Equipment: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories (vacuum chambers, optical benches, testing equipment)

Constraints and risks

Work in ISO8 clean room
Possible missions in France (collaborations with CNES and industrial partners).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 3071,5 et 4714,39 euros according to professional 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