Postdoctoral Researcher in Ultrafast Plasmonic-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the PERSH project (Plasmon-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy to resolve excited-state Structure and energy transfer in light-Harvesting assemblies), funded through the PSiNano interdisciplinary call. The project develops and validates surface-enhanced femtosecond stimulated resonance Raman spectroscopy (SE-FSRRS), combining plasmonic near-field amplification with resonance enhancement, to resolve excited-state vibrational structure and energy-transfer pathways in photosynthetic light-harvesting assemblies (porphyrin aggregates and LH2 complexes from purple bacteria). The position is shared between two partner laboratories: the PPSM team at ENS Paris-Saclay and the LEC team at I2BC.

Activity

At PPSM (ENS Paris-Saclay):
• Synthesise and functionalise plasmonic nanoparticles (surface modification, anchoring chemistry) for reference compounds and porphyrin aggregates.
• Prepare porphyrin aggregate model systems spanning distinct coupling regimes and morphologies.
• Contribute to immobilisation strategies (click chemistry, silica encapsulation) for coupling pigments, and later proteins, to plasmonic substrates.

At LEC (I2BC):
• Record SE-FSRRS and transient absorption measurements, first on reference compounds to calibrate the method, then on porphyrin aggregates and LH2 complexes.
• Perform global analysis of the resulting time-resolved Raman and transient absorption datasets to extract excited-state lifetimes and vibrational signatures.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and to the dissemination of results at conferences.

Your Profil

Skills

• PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, physics or a related field, with a specialisation in optical/ultrafast spectroscopy.
• Solid background in Raman spectroscopy and/or transient absorption; knowledge of surface chemistry, plasmonic nanoparticles (SERS) and/or protein biochemistry is an asset.
• Proficiency in aligning and operating femtosecond laser optical setups.
• Ability to process and analyse spectroscopic data (global analysis, kinetic fitting); familiarity with a scientific programming language (Python, MATLAB, Igor…) is a plus.
• Ability to work at the interface of two laboratories from different disciplines (chemistry and biophysics), with autonomy and experimental rigour.
• Good scientific English (writing, communication).

Your Work Environment

The position is part of the PERSH project, funded for 15 months (09/2026–12/2027), with a one-year postdoctoral contract. The postdoctoral researcher will share their time between PPSM (Photophysique et Photochimie Supramoléculaires et Macromoléculaires, UMR 8531, ENS Paris-Saclay) and the Light Energy Conversion (LEC) team at the Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC, UMR 9198, CEA/CNRS/Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette), both sites located on the Paris-Saclay campus. They will have access to the LUMA national femtosecond Raman platform and will work in close coordination with both partner teams, in a strongly interdisciplinary setting (surface chemistry, ultrafast physics, protein biochemistry).

Constraints and risks

• Exposure to laser radiation (femtosecond pulsed lasers): mandatory use of personal protective equipment (wavelength-appropriate laser safety goggles), compliance with laser safety rules, and required prior safety training.
• Exposure to chemicals (solvents, gold/silver precursors, surface-functionalisation and click-chemistry reagents, silica): work under a fume hood, use of personal protective equipment, compliance with safety data sheets and unit procedures for handling and disposing of chemical waste and nanomaterials.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 3,131€ and 4,341€ 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

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