Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Institute for the Sciences of Light / Institut d’Optique Graduate School
Offer Description
The LIGHTinPARIS programme has launched its 3rd call for PhD Fellowships with up to 6 fully funded positions starting on 1 January 2027. The PhD projects on offer fall in the domain of the Institute for Sciences of Light (Université Paris-Saclay) covering photonics, optics, imaging, materials (chemistry), lasers, instrumentation, information, quantum technologies and more. The programme is cofunded by the European Union under Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND call and co-financed by Université Paris-Saclay and two non-academic partners IMAGINE OPTIC and ONERA.
This is an announcement for one of the 10 PhD projects on offer.
QUASAR: QUAntum chemical and experimental Spectroscopy of Astrochemical Reactive isomers (Description on Web page and PDF)
The project aims to uncover reactive isomers of astrophysical relevance by combining high-resolution laboratory spectroscopy with advanced quantum chemical calculations. This work incorporates high-level quantum chemical models to guide experimental detection and spectral assignment of reactive molecular species. The PhD fellow will conduct both the quantum calculations and laboratory spectroscopic characterization of selected isomeric families expected to be abundant in space but lacking experimental data. These new spectra will then support astronomical collaborators in targeted searches within existing radio to submillimeter wave surveys. By merging experimental and theoretical molecular science, the project will deliver essential spectroscopic data to improve astrochemical models, while offering the fellow comprehensive training in quantum chemistry and gas-phase molecular spectroscopy.
Keywords: Laboratory Astrophysics; Reactive Species; Molecular Physics; Atomic, molecular and plasma physics; High Resolution Spectroscopy; Quantum Chemical Calculations
PI/Thesis Supervisor and team: Marie-Aline MARTIN-DRUMEL at the SYSTEMAE team at the ISMO laboratory / institute
Every LIGHTinPARIS PhD project includes a “3i” dimension (interdisciplinary, intersectoral, or international collaboration) and all fellows will benefit from secondment opportunities for 2 to 12 months at the 3i partner lab under the supervision of the "3i" co-supervisor.
3i dimension(s) for project QUASAR: international 12 months at Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna - Italy, and interdisciplinary
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Applications must be submitted electronically via the LIGHTinPARIS application portal.
- Deadline for applications: 21 September 2026 12:00 noon Paris time (UTC + 2)
- Deadline to start an application (registration on portal): 15 September 2026 12:00 noon Paris time (UTC + 2)
PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION,
- Step 1. Verify and test your eligibility: https://lightinparis.eu/eligibility/
- Step 2. Find a PhD project of interest https://lightinparis.eu/thesis-subjects
Contact the proposed thesis supervisor to discuss the research project and scientific background and experience needed to fulfill the PhD position.
YOU MAY THEN PROCEED TO,
- Step 3. Register on the application portal and receive link to application portal (you will complete an eligibility test first). You may prepare your application Offline.
- Step 4. Submit your application
Detailed information and instructions are provided in the official Guide for Applicants and on the programme website (lightinparis.eu).
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
- Contract: Full-time, 36-month fixed-term French doctoral employment contract. Employer: Université Paris-Saclay.
- Salary: Competitive gross monthly salary (before taxes) for a LIGHTinPARIS PhD fellow under French doctoral contract conditions is a minimum of 2400 € (see application guide for specific employers)
- Allowances: Monthly travel and mobility allowance (€200).
- Annual enrolment fees at the doctoral school (394 €) covered for 3 years.
Additional benefits and opportunities
- Opportunities for professional experience (such as teaching activities)
- Comprehensive training in research, innovation, and transferable skills
TIMELINE
- Call Open: Week 29 (2026) to Week 39 (2026). Publication of Call: 15 July 2026 (On website). Application portal open: 21-23 July 2026.
- Registration (to start an application) deadline: 15 September 2026 12:00 noon Paris time (UTC +2). No new applications can be registered after this date. Selected PhD project cannot be modified after this date
- Submission deadline: 21 September 2026 12:00 noon Paris time (UTC +2)
- Validation of application dossiers and evaluation by external experts: Week 39 - Week 42 (16/09/2026 - 13/10/2026)
- Online interviews: Week 44 - 45 (27 October - 6 November 2026)
- Notification of results: Week 46 (9 - 14 November 2026)
CONTACT & INFORMATION
- Administrative questions: For queries about the application process, eligibility, and all administrative questions, contact application-lightinparis.isl@institutoptique.fr.
- Scientific questions: contact the supervisor(s) listed for each project: https://lightinparis.eu/thesis-subjects
- Up-to-date information on the LIGHTinPARIS website: https://lightinparis.eu/
Where to apply
- Website: https://lightinparis.eu
Requirements
- Research Field: Physics — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Chemistry — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Engineering — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
PhD studies and research work require curiosity, creativity, rigour, teamwork, and organisational skills. A minimum B2 level of English is mandatory. Each PhD project has specific skills/qualifications listed - see last page of linked PDF file https://lightinparis.eu/thesis-subjects/.
Profile of PhD fellow for project QUASAR
- pre-requisite: Academic background covers molecular physics or physical chemistry
- pre-requisite: Academic background covers quantum chemistry and spectroscopy
- pre-requisite: Experience in spectroscopic measurements in the laboratory
- advantageous: Experience working experimental high-resolution spectroscopy (high spectral resolution)
- advantageous: Experience with quantum-chemical calculations
Specific Requirements
Security Clearance
Recruitment in French science and technology research facilities is subject to security clearance as required by the Department of Strategy, Security and Defence. The attribution of a PhD fellowship is contingent on the candidate obtaining the necessary security clearance.
Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Good
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must:
- Hold, or complete the requirements, for a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification by the application deadline, 21 September 2026. Candidates cannot hold a PhD degree.
- Must not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the call deadline (MSCA mobility rule), i.e. between 22 September 2023 and 21 September 2026).
A good (B2) level of English is required; knowledge of French is not required.
Selection process
The selection includes an eligibility check, external evaluation by experts, and interviews (online) to assess the candidates’ scientific potential, motivation, and fit with the proposed research project.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews.
Website for additional job details: https://lightinparis.eu
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 4
- Company/Institute: ISMO - Université Paris-Saclay
- Country: France
- City: Orsay
- Postal Code: 91405
- Street: 15, rue Georges Clemenceau
Contact
- City: Palaiseau
- Website: https://lightinparis.eu
- Street: 2 avenue Augustin Fresnel
- Postal Code: 91127
- E-Mail: application-lightinparis.isl@institutoptique.fr
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!