PhD Fellowship in Optical Microscopy Detection of Nanoplastics Using UV Autofluorescence and Nanophotonics Aix-Marseille Université in France

This three-year PhD fellowship at Aix-Marseille Université, hosted by the Institut Fresnel in Marseille, offers an exciting opportunity to advance the detection of nanoplastics using optical microscopy, UV autofluorescence, and nanophotonics. The project addresses the urgent environmental challenge posed by micro- and nanoplastics, focusing on the quantitative detection of plastic particles smaller than 1 µm, which are particularly concerning due to their biological penetration and persistence. Current methods struggle to identify and quantify nanoplastics below 3 µm, making this research highly impactful.

The central aim is to exploit time-resolved ultraviolet autofluorescence, a property intrinsic to plastics when illuminated in the UV, to achieve superior sensitivity compared to Raman and infrared spectroscopies. The project targets the detection of particles as small as 30 nm and seeks to differentiate plastic types by their autofluorescence lifetime. This requires developing advanced characterization techniques and deepening the understanding of UV emission from nanoplastics. The research integrates recent advances in spectroscopy, nanophotonics, and the synthesis of calibrated plastic nanoparticles, leveraging the complementary expertise of partner laboratories.

Institut Fresnel is a state research laboratory affiliated with CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, renowned for its work in optical microscopy, nanosciences, biosensing, and nanobiotechnologies. The successful candidate will join Dr. Jerome Wenger’s group, which specializes in nanoscale control of light fields in plasmonic nanostructures and their application to fluorescence spectroscopy. The fellowship provides close supervision by an internationally recognized expert, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and opportunities for personal and professional development, including training in leadership and communication skills.

The PhD is full-time (38 hours/week) for up to three years, with possible extensions based on performance. Upon successful completion, candidates will be awarded a PhD degree from Aix-Marseille Université. The position is not funded through an EU research framework programme. The Euraxess Center at Aix-Marseille Université offers support for international candidates, including guidance on visas, insurance, accommodation, and other practical matters.

Applicants must hold or be nearing completion of a Master-equivalent degree in physics or engineering. Experience in nano-optics or optical microscopy is valued but not required. There are no citizenship restrictions. Candidates should demonstrate motivation, curiosity, proficiency in scientific English, autonomy, analytical and critical thinking, and strong writing and presentation skills. Required application documents include a CV, presentation letter, contact emails for two references, academic transcripts in English, Master degree certificate (if available), and standardized English test results (if available).

Applications should be submitted by email to [email protected] by 31 May 2026. For further information, visit www.jeromewenger.com and www.fresnel.fr. The envisaged start date is 1 October 2026. This fellowship is ideal for motivated young scientists seeking to make a significant impact in environmental science, materials science, and physics through innovative research in nanoplastics detection.