Researcher for development of achromatic metasurfaces for advanced optical imaging (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Metasurfaces (MSs) have emerged as a transformative platform for flat optics, enabling unprecedented control over light using subwavelength nanostructures. By engineering the phase, amplitude, and polarization of light, MSs offer a versatile foundation for next-generation optical devices, replacing bulky traditional components with ultra-thin, planar alternatives. Recent advances in multilayered and nonlocal MSs have expanded their capabilities, enabling multifunctional, achromatic, and high-resolution imaging systems for applications in biomedical imaging, augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and advanced displays.
One of the major challenges in metalens development is achieving broadband color imaging due to chromatic aberration. Achromatic metalenses address this issue by simultaneously focusing red, green, and blue light, enabling sharp, full-color virtual imagery without the complexity of multi-lens assemblies. A promising approach to minimizing chromatic aberration involves the dense vertical stacking of independent MSs. Achromatic MSs are essential for full-color imaging, depth-resolved visualization, and high-fidelity optical systems, where chromatic aberrations can degrade performance.

This postdoctoral project aims to develop innovative achromatic MSs for advanced optical imaging, focusing on multilayered designs, broadband performance, and integration with free-space optical systems. This project offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in flat optics, with applications in high-resolution imaging, 3D depth perception, and compact optical devices.

Activity

Key objectives:
1. Design and Simulate Achromatic Metasurfaces:
• Develop multilayered MSs using FDTD, RCWA, or inverse design methods to achieve broadband achromatic performance (400–700 nm).
• Optimize MS geometries for high numerical aperture (NA), wide field of view (FOV), and multifocal capabilities.
• Explore nonlocal coupling effects to enhance optical functionalities.
2. Fabricate and Characterize Prototypes:
• Fabricate metasurface in CNRS cleanroom facilities.
• Characterize optical performance.
3. Integrate MSs into Optical Systems:
• Collaborate to integrate achromatic MSs into free-space optical systems for advanced imaging applications.
• Validate system performance in real-world scenarios, including depth-resolved imaging and full-color reconstruction.
4. Explore Advanced Functionalities

Your Profil

Skills

Qualification:
• PhD in Photonics, Optical and Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.

Skills and Experience:
• Strong background in one or more of the following:
 Metasurface/metamaterial design and simulation (FDTD, RCWA, COMSOL).
 Optical characterization.
 Computational imaging or inverse design methods.
• Interest in nanofabrication and flat optics applications, from both design and characterization perspectives.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis and simulation.

Personal Attributes:
• Innovative, proactive, and constructive mindset.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in collaborative teams.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (spoken and written). Required English level: C1 (European framework) – a fluent command of English (spoken and written) is essential for working in an international environment and publishing in scientific journals.

Your Work Environment

The ICube Laboratory (UMR 7357) is a joint research unit under the supervision of the CNRS, the University of Strasbourg, and INSA Strasbourg. Structured into 4 departments, 17 research teams, and 6 cross-cutting research themes, ICube fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. The laboratory brings together nearly 750 members, including over 430 permanent staff (university professors, associate professors, CNRS researchers, hospital practitioners, engineers, and technical staff) and more than 270 non-permanent members (PhD students, postdocs, and visiting researchers).
ICube stands out for its unique position at the interface between the physical and digital worlds. Its teams explore, design, and develop models and methodsboth physical and algorithmic—as well as new technologies that bridge the real world (matter and living systems), digital data, and virtual environments.
The selected candidate (M/F) will join the IPP (Instrumentation and Photonics Processes) team, which specializes in research on light-matter interactions in micro- and nanostructured media. The team's work focuses on extracting information or modifying materials to achieve specific functionalities, with applications in microscopy, health instrumentation, and laser treatment.
The candidate will benefit from a stimulating work environment within a dynamic and international team, collaborating with leading experts in photonics. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of nanophotonics, metamaterials, and advanced optical engineering, while gaining practical experience in theoretical modeling and experimental validation. The IPP team maintains close collaborations with academic partners (French and international laboratories) and industrial partners (start-ups and major companies in optics and photonics). The postdoc will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects and present their results at international conferences.
The laboratory is located on the Illkirch campus, in a pleasant and green setting, easily accessible by public transport. The candidate will benefit from:
• Access to a subsidized administrative restaurant nearby,
• Partial coverage of public transport costs,
• Social benefits (health insurance, cultural and sports activities).
Specificities and Constraints of the Position:
• The position is located in an area subject to Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST). In accordance with regulations, authorization from the competent MESR authority is required before the start of the contract.
• Short-term travel in France and abroad is to be expected for collaborations or conferences.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Starting from €3072 gross 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