Description du sujet de thèse

The Institut Charles Sadron (ICS), CNRS and University of Strasbourg (France), is seeking applications for a Doctoral Candidate position within the European Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA-DN) "Complex Lipid Membranes for Science and Technology "(CLIMB) on the individual project DC3: Advanced models for the quantitative interpretation of membranes reflectivity data (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01).

The aim of this research project is to build tools and bring new concepts for elaborating a fine interpretation of reflectivity data from supported membranes. This includes a combination of coarse-grained and mesoscale simulations or analytical models, combined with experimental or simulated membranes structures (scattering length density profiles). Special attention will be paid to combining specular and off-specular data, including out-of-plane fluctuations with lateral extensions on the order of micrometers.
We therefore aim at developing models that can account for (i) non-linear elasticity and molecular fluctuations, (ii) strong electrostatic correlations or interactions and (iii) activity of non-lipid components (e.g. proteins) inserted into the membrane.

The applicant will hold a Master of science degree in physics or physical chemistry, with a strong interest in statistical mechanics, biophysics and proven skills in programming and numerical data handling.

The host team Physics of Membrane and Soft Matter (M3), at ICS is interested in various aspects of soft matter science and lipid bilayer properties. ICS is one of the leading institute of the French national centre for scientific research (CNRS), dedicated to macromolecular and self-assembled systems science. The position is funded for 3 years and the doctoral candidate will enrol at the Doctoral school of physics and chemical physics of the University of Strasbourg, starting between September and December 2025.

A few planned secondments are part of the project on complementary topics, including a visit to the Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany), the University of Lünd (Sweden) and IBM research center in Almaden (USA).

The annual gross salary is 36450 euros, plus family allowance according to personal status. Mobility conditions apply for eligibility,
see e.g. https://www.horizon-europe.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2023-05/guide-du-candidat-msca-dn-2023-pdf-8903.pdf
Applications (CV, motivation and supporting letters) will take place exclusively through the CNRS employment portal: emploi.cnrs.fr

For further information please contact: F Thalmann, fabrice.thalmann@ics-cnrs.unistra.fr

Contexte de travail

The host team Physics of Membrane and Soft Matter (M3), at ICS is interested in various aspects of soft matter science and lipid bilayer properties. ICS is one of the leading institute of the French national centre for scientific research (CNRS), dedicated to macromolecular and self-assembled systems science.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

A few planned secondments are part of the project on complementary topics, including a visit to the Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany), the University of Lünd (Sweden) and IBM research center in Almaden (USA).
Mobility conditions apply for eligibility,
see e.g. https://www.horizon-europe.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2023-05/guide-du-candidat-msca-dn-2023-pdf-8903.pdf