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.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work on the development of acousto-plasmonic biosensors through a joint supervision (cotutelle) program between the Institut Jean Lamour (IJL) at University of Lorraine, France, and the Laboratoire Nanotechnologies Nanosystèmes (LN2) at University of Sherbrooke, Canada. The project is supported by the French Space Agency (CNES) and focuses on the design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization of hybrid acousto-plasmonic metasurfaces for high-sensitivity, label-free cell sensing. The research bridges nanotechnology, materials science, physics, and biophysics, with applications in biomedical diagnostics and space health monitoring. The doctoral work will involve advanced multiphysics simulations (using COMSOL and Matlab) to model the coupling between surface acoustic waves (SAWs) and localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR), followed by nanofabrication of hybrid metasurfaces using high-resolution lithography. The candidate will perform experimental measurements to assess biosensor performance, including cell adhesion and mechanosensitive responses under acoustic and thermal stimulation. The project aims to create a new class of active metasurface biosensors capable of real-time, high-resolution monitoring of biological processes, relevant for both terrestrial and space environments. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in physics, photonics, acoustics, materials science, or nanotechnology, with proficiency in simulation tools (COMSOL, Lumerical), clean room experience, and a basic understanding of biology or biophysics. French language proficiency (B1 or higher) is required. The position is partially funded by CNES, with additional funding applications in progress. The successful applicant will benefit from a dynamic, international research environment, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and collaboration with leading experts in the field. To apply, candidates should prepare a resume, a recent transcript, and a reference letter from their M2 supervisor or engineering school director, and submit their application online before March 13th, 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Jean-François Bryche or Prof. Frédéric Sarry by email. More details are available on the CNES and IJL websites.