Three-year PhD position in plasmonics and photophysics: hot-carrier generation and heat dissipation in plasmonic metasurfaces
27 Jan 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Aix-Marseille Université- Research Field
Chemistry » Other
Physics » Applied physics
Physics » Electromagnetism
Physics » Optics
Physics » Solid state physics
Physics » Thermodynamics
Physics » Other
Technology » Energy technology
Technology » Nanotechnology- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Application Deadline
30 Apr 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)- Country
France- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- 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
RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/ R1: First stage Researcher
RESEARCH FIELD(S) AND DISCIPLINES1: Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences
JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION:
We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our team and work at the interface of nanophotonics, heat transport, and energy applications. Light-to-energy conversion in photovoltaics, photodetection, and photochemistry is limited by how optical energy dissipates at the nanoscale. In plasmonic nanostructures, excitation produces both energetic charge carriers and significant heat, often degrading device performance. Understanding and controlling how energy is partitioned between hot-carrier generation and heat dissipation remains a central challenge in nanophotonics.
This PhD project will address this challenge using two-dimensional plasmonic metasurfaces. The goal is to disentangle hot-carrier and thermal contributions and optimize metasurface designs for site-selective hot-carrier generation with minimal heating. The work will explore both purely plasmonic and hybrid metal–semiconductor architectures to tailor electronic and thermal properties.
The project combines numerical modeling and experimental nanophotonics, including metasurface design, nanofabrication, optical characterization, and photothermal microscopy. It involves close collaboration with CINaM, IM2NP, and Institut Fresnel, providing expertise in nanofabrication, thermal imaging, and device integration. Steady-state photothermal measurements and spatially resolved thermal mapping will be used to probe local temperature profiles, alongside electromagnetic and thermal modeling to describe energy dissipation pathways and guide metasurface design.
WHAT WE OFFER:
A fully funded PhD contract for 3 years. The recruited PhD candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment at the interface of nanophotonics, materials science, and photothermal physics. The project offers access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication facilities, advanced optical characterization tools, and high-performance computational resources (Centre de Calcul Intensif d’Aix-Marseille). The candidate will benefit from strong national and international collaborations, opportunities for short research stays, training in scientific communication and publishing, and the opportunity to present their work at national and international scientific conferences, providing excellent preparation for an academic or industrial research career.
About the group
You will perform this project in the group “Surface Nanostructuring for Energy” under the supervision of Dr. Artur Movsesyan and Dr. Beniamino Sciacca in a highly dynamic and international team. The group has a strong background in synthetic chemistry, surface functionalisation, nanophotonics, nanofabrication, nanoscale photovoltaic devices, and in the characterisation of optical, structural, electrical and chemical properties of materials. The hosting environment is equipped with state-of-the art facilities in nanofabrication and material characterisation.
Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS Portal
TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY
JOB STATUS: FULL TIME
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30/04/2026) 00:00
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/09/2026
ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months
WORK LOCATION(S): CINaM, Campus de Luminy, Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS:
We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, applied physics, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field. A strong background in optics, photonics, electromagnetism, or solid-state physics is expected, along with motivation to work at the interface of experiment and modeling and an interest in nanoscale energy dissipation, heat transport, and nano-optics.
Hands-on laboratory experience is required. Experience with nanofabrication/microfabrication and optical characterization techniques (e.g., spectroscopy or microscopy) is highly desirable. Additional valued skills include numerical simulations (e.g., FEM or FDTD). Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.
SOFT SKILLS: Analytical and critical thinking, motivation, flexibility
REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, SELECTION PROCESS:
The formal application must include:
- a CV,
- transcripts for both Bachelor (Licence) and Master studies,
- a short summary of previous research experience (internships or research projects)
- two letters of recommendation: one from the internship or research project supervisor and one from the Master program coordinator or responsible faculty member.
WHERE TO APPLY: movsesyan@gmail.com
Where to apply
- Website
- https://academicpositions.com/ad/aix-marseille-universite/2026/three-year-phd-p…
Requirements
- Research Field
- Chemistry
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Physics
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Physics
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Physics
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Physics
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Physics
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Physics
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Technology
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Technology
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
Additional Information
- Website for additional job details
https://academicpositions.com
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Aix-Marseille Université
- Country
- France
- City
- Marseille
- Postal Code
- 13284
- Street
- Jardin du Pharo 58, bd Charles Livon
Contact
- City
Marseille- Website
https://www.univ-amu.fr/- Postal Code
13284
STATUS: EXPIRED
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