This PhD position offers a unique opportunity for international joint supervision between the Institut Jean Lamour (IJL) at University of Lorraine (France) and the Laboratoire Nanotechnologies Nanosystèmes (LN2) at University of Sherbrooke (Canada). The research focuses on the development of hybrid acousto-plasmonic metasurfaces for high-sensitivity, label-free cell biosensing, combining surface acoustic waves (SAWs), localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR), and photothermal effects into a multimodal platform. The project is supported by a collaboration with the French Space Agency (CNES), with partial funding secured and further funding applications in progress.

The doctoral work will involve advanced multiphysics simulations (using COMSOL and Matlab) to model the coupling between SAW and SPR, followed by nanofabrication of hybrid metasurfaces using high-resolution lithography. The candidate will integrate plasmonic metasurfaces with piezoelectric substrates and perform measurements to assess biosensor performance, including cell adhesion and mechanosensitive responses under acoustic and thermal stimulation. The research aims to provide new insights into cell-material interactions, mechanotransduction, and biosensing, with applications relevant to both Earth and space environments.

Applicants should have a Master's degree in physics, photonics, acoustics, materials science, or nanotechnology, with technical skills in finite element simulation (COMSOL, Lumerical), clean room experimentation, and basic biology or biophysics. French proficiency (B1 CEFR or higher) is required. The position requires adaptability, scientific rigor, and willingness to relocate between France and Canada. The project is expected to start in October 2026, with an application deadline of March 13, 2026. For more information, candidates can contact the supervisors, Professor Frédéric Sarry and Dr. Jean-François Bryche, or visit the CNES and IJL websites.

Key academic keywords: acousto-plasmonics, surface acoustic waves, plasmonic metasurfaces, biosensors, multiphysics simulation, nanofabrication, materials science, biophysics, optics, mechanotransduction.