M/F PhD Student "Time-resolved approaches for transient vibronic chirality"

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The Doctoral Candidate will be based at CELIA, Université de Bordeaux, where they will integrate a team of 8 permanent researchers and 8 PhD students – 3 of which will work in TRILOGY, investigating the ultrafast dynamics of molecules and quantum materials. The work will be performed using a high-repetition rate, high-power Yb fiber femtosecond laser system, coupled to various beamlines (from the IR to the XUV range) and detectors (velocity map imaging, COLTRIMS).
The primary objective of this PhD project is to investigate the ultrafast dynamics of chiral molecules in the vicinity of conical intersections with sub-20 fs time resolution, using velocity map imaging of photoelectrons. Two distinct ionization continua will be employed as complementary probes to explore the interplay between electronic chirality and the ensuing vibrational relaxation: valence ionization and core ionization.
Valence ionization provides a more accessible experimental route, fully implementable at CELIA. It will enable the development and benchmarking of advanced acquisition strategies, including rapid polarization-state modulation combined with Fourier analysis. In contrast, core ionization requires access to free-electron laser facilities (e.g., EuXFEL or FERMI) through competitive beamtime proposals, with the choice of facility dictated by the relevant absorption edges of the target systems. In the case of element-specific X-ray ionization, static photoelectron asymmetries relative to the X-ray propagation axis remain largely unexplored. This motivates dedicated beamtime applications to measure static photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) at core edges, which is currently feasible only at a limited number of synchrotron facilities.
A second focus of the project will be the investigation of novel photoelectron asymmetries induced by two-color excitation schemes, in which at least one of the pulses carries orbital angular momentum (OAM).
Overall, the project aims to achieve sensitivity to the reorganization of the electronic structure during ultrafast relaxation processes, as well as to the subsequent vibrational dynamics.
The Doctoral Candidate will also carry out experiments at, and receive training from other of the 10 other institutions forming the TRILOGY Network.
We seek highly motivated candidates, with good skills in experimental physics, data analysis, multi-task organization, and collaborative work. An experience in femtosecond techology, ultrafast science, vacuum technology, photoelectron spectroscopy or chirality will be highly beneficial. Experiences in handling large datasets will be particularly well suited for this project. Fluent English required.
Applicants must fulfil the transnational mobility requirement of the programme, i.e. they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months
At the time of recruitment, applicants must not yet hold a doctoral degree. Candidates who have already defended their thesis but have not formally been awarded the degree are not eligible.

Your Work Environment

The EU-funded Horizon Europe Doctoral Network TRILOGY (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101226887) advances the emerging field of ultrafast chirality by exploiting attosecond light-driven electron dynamics to overcome the limits of conventional chiro-optical methods. Targeting applications in the life sciences and advanced technologies, it develops next-generation, high-sensitivity spectroscopic tools to excite and probe electron motion in chiral molecules, supported by close collaboration with industrial partners to enable rapid translation into applications.
TRILOGY brings together 11 leading institutions across Europe to train 16 Doctoral Candidates at the forefront of theory and experiment in ultrafast science. The programme offers a unique, interdisciplinary environment and equips researchers with highly competitive skills spanning fundamental physics, technology development, and industry.
The position is funded through the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions and includes a remuneration package in accordance with European Commission guidelines. This comprises a net monthly Living Allowance of around €2300 and a Mobility Allowance of €710. A Family Allowance is provided where applicable. The position includes standard social benefits, such as social security and 46 days of paid annual leave (based on a five-day working week). CELIA is located in Talence, 5 km away from downtown Bordeaux, 15 minutes by tram or by bike.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € 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