2 Apr 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Le Mans Université- Department
LAUM- Research Field
Physics- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Positions
PhD Positions- Application Deadline
30 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Country
France- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Offer Starting Date
1 Oct 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
Project title (thesis topic) : Underwater sound control with bubble metascreens
Summary : This PhD project aims to develop a new generation of tunable bubble metascreens for real-time underwater sound shaping. The work will start by designing tunable bubble screens, whose acoustic response can be modified mechanically — for instance, by stretching the elastic matrix or applying a controlled overpressure. Such smart metascreens will then be assembled into multi-layered structures to explore coherent perfect absorption and exceptional points. At a later stage, large arrays of such screens could be implemented on the walls of an instrumented water tank to act on the cavity modes. One track will consist in developing the underwater analogue of an anechoic room. This configuration will also enable the manipulation of the sound fields through the modulation of reflecting panels, following approaches developed in the electromagnetic cavity community, a strong objective would be to demonstrate the shaping of underwater sound fields, ultimately enabling the creation of synthetic acoustic landscapes in real time.
The PhD will combine experiments, modeling, and numerical simulations. The experimental work will involve the design and fabrication of bubble metascreens using 3D printing, laser cutting, and microfabrication, followed by acoustic measurements in instrumented water tanks. The propagation, scattering, and coupling phenomena will also be approached using analytical methods and simulations.
Project issues : This project stands at the intersection of wave physics and bioacoustics. From a physical perspective, it will advance the design of soft metamaterials capable of absorbing, manipulating, and imaging underwater sound. By exploring reconfigurable coherent perfect absorbers and tunable exceptional points, it will open new routes for real-time acoustic wavefront control. In parallel, the outcomes of this PhD will provide an interesting tool for bioacoustics: enabling controlled soundscapes to study how aquatic organisms produce, perceive, and respond to sound. Beyond these fundamental aspects, the project addresses the issue of underwater noise pollution, offering practical solutions for quieter laboratory tanks and marine environments.
Overview of resources : The PhD will be conducted at the Laboratory of Acoustics of Le Mans University (LAUM), an international research center in acoustics and wave physics. The candidate will join the Materials team, which studies the propagation of acoustic and elastic waves in heterogeneous media, metamaterials, and nonlinear structures. They will benefit from LAUM’s multidisciplinary environment and state-of-the-art facilities, developing expertise in acoustic metamaterials, wave manipulation, and soft matter. The project will provide both theoretical and experimental training in a dynamic field at the crossroads of physics, materials science, and biology. The candidate will also be expected to write scientific articles and engage with the research community through participation in national and international conferences.
To apply for this position, please review the full job description by clicking on this link .
Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026, at the latest, by clicking on this link .
Where to apply
- Website
- https://amethis.doctorat.org/amethis-client/prd/consulter/offre/3055
Requirements
- Research Field
- Physics
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Applicants should hold (or be completing) a Master’s degree in Physics, Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics. The position requires motivation for experimental research in fundamental physics, curiosity, autonomy, and initiative. Proficiency in English and programming skills (MATLAB or Python) are important.
Additional Information
Benefits
This is a 3-year contract; the monthly salary is €2,300 gross
Eligibility criteria
hold a master's degree or equivalent
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Le Mans University
- Country
- France
- City
- Le Mans
- Postal Code
- 72000
- Street
- avenue Olivier Messiaen
- Geofield
Contact
- City
LE MANS- Website
http://www.univ-lemans.fr/fr/index.html- Street
Avenue Olivier Messiaen- Postal Code
72085
DRH-doctorant@univ-lemans.fr
STATUS: EXPIRED
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