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Université Grenoble Alpes

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PhD Position: Nano optomechanics in the single photon regime Université Grenoble Alpes in France

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Materials Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Sep 7, 2026

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Country

France

University

Université Grenoble Alpes

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Keywords

Materials Science
Python Programming
Vacuum Technology
Interferometry
Quantum Optics
Optomechanics
Nanomechanics
Nanowire
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity in nano optomechanics in the single photon regime within the QuanG2 doctoral programme coordinated by Université Grenoble Alpes in France. The project sits at the intersection of physics, quantum optics, optomechanics, and nanoscale force sensing, with a strong experimental focus and collaboration across Grenoble, Palaiseau, and Paris.

The research investigates how light interacts with suspended silicon carbide nanowires coupled to a photonic crystal optical micro-cavity. The nanowire apex interacts with the cavity field, shifting the optical resonance while radiation pressure from the photons exerts an optomechanical force on the nanowire. The aim is to study this interaction at low photon number, approaching the single-photon regime, where nanowire motion is influenced by quantum fluctuations of the cavity field. The current setup operates at room temperature and is planned to move toward milli-Kelvin temperatures to improve sensitivity and reduce thermal noise.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with teams at the C2N and LKB laboratories, which fabricate and optimise the microcavities, and with theorists at LKB who model the interaction down to the single-photon level. The experimental work involves optics, nano-mechanics, vacuum technology, microwave design, and advanced interfacing. A background in quantum mechanics, optics, nano-mechanics, and/or Python programming is welcome.

This is a fully funded three-year PhD position under Horizon Europe – COFUND. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by the deadline, must not already hold a doctorate, and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule (no more than 12 months of residence or main activity in France during the 36 months before the deadline). There are no nationality or age restrictions, and current employees of the host laboratory are not eligible.

The application deadline is 7 September 2026 at 12:00 PM (Paris time). Applications must be submitted through the QuanG2 online application platform. The selection process includes an eligibility check, mid-October pre-selection, online interviews at the end of October, and in-person interviews in Grenoble in early December 2026.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by the application deadline and must not already hold a doctoral degree. Applicants must comply with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months during the 36 months preceding the deadline. Applicants must not be current employees of the host laboratory. A theoretical background in quantum mechanics, optics and/or nano-mechanics is welcome, as is prior programming experience in Python. Experimental work involves optics, nano-mechanics, vacuum technology, microwave design, and advanced interfacing.

How to apply

Apply through the QuanG2 online application platform using the provided application form. Submit the application by 7 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Paris time. After eligibility screening, shortlisted candidates will proceed to online interviews and then in-person interviews in Grenoble.

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