Job Information
- Organisation/Company: COFUND QuanG
- Research Field: Physics
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 7 Sep 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
- Country: France
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Feb 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe – COFUND
Offer Description
General Scope:
Light is a tool of choice to measure the minute vibrations of mechanical oscillators using optical interferometry. A laser field interacting with a resonator applies an optical force which formally represents the backaction of the measurement process. Optomechanics is the field studying the quantum limits of these precision measurements carried out in interferometers and optical cavities. At the macroscopic level, understanding this light-matter interaction is central to enhance the sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors. At the nanoscale it is possible to employ ultrasensitive force sensors and maximise their optomechanical interaction using high finesse optical micro-cavities where the electromagnetic field of each photon is enhanced. Our experiments allow entering the regime where the optomechanical interaction can be explored down to the single photon level, with sub-wavelength size resolution, opening novel perspectives in quantum optics and cavity nano-optomechanics.
PhD Subject:
We exploit suspended silicon carbide nanowires as ultrasensitive force sensors, and make them interact with a photonic crystal optical micro-cavity to build a strongly coupled optomechanical system. The nanowire vibrating apex interacts with the light field confined in the cavity mode thus shifting its optical resonance frequency while the photons in the cavity mode apply an optomechanical force on the nanowire. In this setup we are able to monitor in real time the pump light reflected from the cavity and the nanowire vibrations using a separate readout laser. By scanning the nanowire above the photonic crystal, we are able to map the optomechanical interaction with high accuracy. The goal of the PhD project is to study this strong interaction at low photon number in the cavity, when the nanowire position fluctuations are dominated by the quantum fluctuations of the cavity field. The current experiment is carried out at room temperature but it is planned to move to milli Kelvin temperature to gain in sensitivity and reduce the nanowire thermal noise.
This experimental work is carried out in close collaboration with teams in the C2N and LKB laboratories in Palaiseau and Paris, which fabricate and optimise the microcavities. On the theory side, we are collaborating with theoreticians experts in quantum optics and fluctuations at the LKB laboratory in Paris in order to model the optomechanical interaction down to the single photon level.
Required Skills:
A theoretical background in quantum mechanics, optics and/or nano-mechanics, as well as prior knowledge in programming (Python) are welcome Experimental work involves optics, nano-mechanics, vacuum technology and microwave design, and advanced interfacing.
Where to apply
Website: https://phdquantumgrenoble.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/phd-application/application-form-spring-2026
Requirements
- Research Field: Physics
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification by the application deadline and must not already hold a doctoral degree. Applicants must also comply with the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the application deadline. Applicants must not be current employees of the host laboratory. There are no nationality or age restrictions.
Selection process
Applications must be submitted through the QuanG2 online application platform by 7 September 2026 at 12:00 PM (Paris time). After the application deadline, all applications will first undergo an eligibility check. Eligible applications will then be reviewed during the pre-selection phase, scheduled for mid-October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online interviews at the end of October 2026. Candidates selected following this first interview stage will then be invited to in-person interviews in Grenoble in early December 2026, with the final selection taking place after these interviews. All candidates will be informed of the outcome of the selection process following the final stage.
Additional comments
About the QuanG2 PhD Call
This PhD position is offered as part of the QuanG2 PhD Call for Applications, a doctoral programme coordinated by Université Grenoble Alpes and dedicated to training the next generation of researchers in quantum science and technology. The programme offers fully funded three-year PhD positions within the Grenoble quantum research ecosystem, providing doctoral candidates with a high-level international research environment and dedicated funding for their research and training activities.
Website for additional job details: https://phdquantumgrenoble.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/sites/default/files/Mediatheque/default/PhD%20Topics%20-%20Autumn%202026/26.%20Pigeau_Arcizet_2_2026.pdf
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: NEEL INSTITUTE
- Country: France
Contact
- City: GRENOBLE
- Website: https://phdquantumgrenoble.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
- Street: 621 avenue centrale
- Postal Code: 38400
- E-Mail: quantum-grenoble-phd@listes.grenoble.cnrs.fr
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