Ph.D. student in applied physics and engineering physics (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Particle identification with HIgh spatial resolution and Low Material budget (PHILM)

The PHILM project focuses on advancing technology for tracking detectors with particle identification (PID) capabilities, targeting both high-energy hadron physics experiments and low-energy ion applications, such as patient treatment planning in particle therapy (PT) and space radiation protection (RPS), exemplified by the FOOT project. These applications demand finely pixelated sensors for accurate tracking and large signal dynamic energy loss measurements, while keeping the material budget minimal to reduce multiple scattering. The detector must handle direct charge or time-over-threshold (ToT) signals over several orders of magnitude to cover energy losses ranging from MIP to heavy ions (e.g., Fe). Additionally, nanosecond-level timing is essential for background rejection in high-energy experiments and for rapid proton or carbon computed tomography, shortening patient acquisition time. Combining energy loss and time-of-flight measurements is particularly valuable for identifying ion tracks in experiments measuring fragmentation cross sections for PT and RPS applications.
This PhD project specifically aims to design and characterize a MAPS-based sensor in Tower Jazz 180 nm technology, improving PID performance with 12-bit signal encoding while maintaining a moderate pixel size (≲ 50 µm). The sensor will feature a sensitive area of approximately 1 cm² and a layout potentially extendable to reticule size (~6 cm²), supporting applications in high-energy physics, particle therapy, and space radiation protection. The PhD candidate will contribute to the design of the readout architecture, integration of precise timing measurement, and development of the FPGA-based control system for multi-sensor operation. The detector will be validated during experimental campaigns at CNAO/Cyrcé/BTF facilities, with performance assessed in tracking resolution, energy loss measurement, timing accuracy, and particle identification efficiency.
This thesis is funded by the European project Hadron 2030.

Your Work Environment

This PhD project will be affiliated with the “Ecole Doctorale de Physique et Chimie Physique” (ED182) at the University of Strasbourg.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing the detector readout architecture, integrating a high-precision timing measurement system, and developing the FPGA-based control system for multi-sensor operation. The detector will subsequently be validated through dedicated experimental campaigns. Its performance will be assessed according to several criteria, including tracking resolution, energy-loss measurement accuracy, timing resolution, and particle identification efficiency.
The candidate will be hosted at the Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC) in Strasbourg.
The Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC, UMR 7178), a joint research unit of the CNRS and the University of Strasbourg, is a multidisciplinary laboratory where research teams from diverse scientific backgrounds (ecology, physiology and ethology, chemistry, and subatomic physics) conduct world-class research programs with scientific instrumentation as a common foundation. IPHC is organized into three departments and comprises a total staff of 393 members, including 257 permanent employees (119 researchers and faculty members, and 138 engineers and technicians), 46 fixed-term staff members, and 102 PhD students.
The candidate will join the C4PI team at IPHC, which currently consists of one researcher, 3 PhD students, and 22 engineers and technical staff members.
The successful candidate will benefit from access to a staff restaurant, partial reimbursement of public transportation costs, employee welfare services, the possibility of partial remote work depending on the activities, and training opportunities to facilitate integration into the position.
Requirements
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Master's Degree in Applied Physics and Physical Engineering, specialization in Electronic and Microelectronic Systems.
• Skills in detector design and data analysis.
• Confirmed know-how in the design of timing circuits (VCO,PLL, etc.)
• Good programming skills (Verilog, Python).
• Ability to work independently, mobility, creativity, strong motivation, and a keen interest in scientific instrumentation.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken, corresponding to at least B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), enabling effective interaction with all project partners and the dissemination of research results through scientific publications and conference presentations.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit:
• A curriculum vitae (CV);
• A cover letter;
• A copy of their Master's thesis (or thesis summary) and academic transcripts;
• Contact details of referees;
• Optionally, one or two independent letters of recommendation.

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