Postdoctoral Position in Laser-Matter Interactions, Crystallization, and Spectroscopy (Physical Chemistry/Materials Science) Université de Rouen Normandie in France

The SMS Laboratory (UR 3233) at Université de Rouen Normandie, in collaboration with the LASIRE Laboratory (UMR8516 Université de Lille), is offering an 18-month postdoctoral position focused on NanoLin: Nanoparticle-assisted Laser Induced Nucleation and Time-Resolved Spectroscopy. The project is funded by the Institute of Innovation and Chemistry Carnot - I2C and will be based primarily in Rouen, France, with regular short stays in Lille.

The research centers on the study of laser-induced nucleation (LIN) in the presence of nanoparticles for crystalline phase control, specifically investigating laser–nanoparticle–molecule interactions in solution using time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy. The aim is to identify physical mechanisms that promote or inhibit nucleation and to assess the relevance of LIN for chiral resolution and crystal phase control. The project combines experimental development, advanced characterization, dynamic analysis, and data interpretation.

The scientific environment includes the SMS Laboratory in Rouen, which specializes in LIN experiments, laser-driven crystallization, and chiral resolution, and the LASIRE Laboratory in Lille, which provides expertise in ultrafast laser spectroscopy and analysis of transient thermal and mechanical effects in laser–matter interactions.

Main responsibilities include designing and optimizing crystallization protocols, performing LIN experiments with and without nanoparticles, characterizing nanoparticles, developing time-resolved spectroscopy experiments, analyzing crystallization outcomes, using complementary techniques (UV–Vis, FTIR, Raman, XRD, SEM, etc.), contributing to data interpretation and modeling, and preparing scientific publications.

Applicants must have a PhD in Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Optics, Materials Science, or a closely related field, with experimental background in laser–matter interaction or crystallization/nucleation phenomena. Experience with nanoparticle characterization and/or spectroscopy is highly desirable. Good communication skills and proficiency in English are required.

The position is fully funded for 18 months, with a minimum gross annual salary of €32,000. Applications should include a detailed CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least two references, and be sent to Dr. Valerie Dupray and Dr. Clément Brandel at Université de Rouen Normandie.