excitons in semiconductors and magnons in magnetic vdW materials.
PhD Subject:
In the framework of this PhD project, we will fabricate twisted bilayers of CrSBr and CrOCl, two orthorhombic van der Waals materials combining strong magnetic anisotropy and, in the case of CrSBr, a direct optical band gap. The low crystal symmetry of these systems gives rise to one-dimensional moiré superlattices, providing a unique opportunity to engineer anisotropic excitations beyond hexagonal materials.
The project will primarily rely on advanced optical and magneto-optical spectroscopy as sensitive, non-invasive probes of electronic and magnetic excitations. Using polarization-resolved photoluminescence, reflectance contrast, Raman and magneto-PL spectroscopy under applied magnetic fields, we will investigate how the moiré potential modifies exciton localization, interlayer hybridization, and optical selection rules. Spatially resolved optical measurements will be used to identify signatures of guided excitonic states along the moiré direction.
In parallel, low-energy Raman and magneto-optical spectroscopy will probe collective magnetic excitations and track the evolution of spin-wave modes as a function of twist angle, temperature, and magnetic field. These measurements will assess whether excitons and magnons can be guided along the one-dimensional moiré superlattice, enabling directional energy and spin transport.
Overall, this PhD project aims to establish twisted orthorhombic bilayers as a versatile platform to control anisotropic excitations, bridging spintronics, excitonics, and moiré quantum materials.
Required Skills:
- Pronounced motivation for experimental condensed matter physics
- Knowledge of basic solid state physics
- experience with cryogeny/optical spectroscopy will be appreciated
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%202026/8.%20Faugeras_2026_2ndcall.pdf
