Postdoctoral Position in Flying-Focus Laser-Plasma Acceleration and Spatiotemporal Coupling Laboratoire d'Optique Appliquée in France

CNRS / Laboratoire d'Optique Appliquée (LOA) in Palaiseau, France is recruiting a two-year postdoctoral researcher in laser-plasma acceleration, flying focus, spatiotemporal coupling, and high-intensity laser optics.

The project focuses on the experimental development of flying-focus concepts for laser-plasma acceleration, first on a 100 TW-class laser and then on larger-scale facilities such as Apollon. The postdoc will work on creating and controlling the spatiotemporal couplings needed to steer the focal velocity, with particular interest in programmable large-aperture spatial light modulators (SLMs), metrology of spatiotemporal coupling, integration of flying-focus optics on high-intensity laser lines, and laser-plasma acceleration experiments. A promising direction is the exploration of new X-ray source schemes based on laser-plasma acceleration.

This is primarily an experimental position, but applicants with strong backgrounds in theory and/or simulation are also welcome. The role includes experimental campaign design and participation, diagnostics development, data analysis, numerical simulations (optics and Particle-in-Cell), and scientific communication through papers and conference presentations.

Eligibility highlights: PhD in physics, strong interest in experimental work, and expertise in at least one relevant area such as laser-plasma accelerators, high-intensity lasers, laser-plasma interaction, or optics. Experience with Zemax, Particle-in-Cell simulations, or SLMs is considered an advantage.

Contract details: 24 months, start date around 01/09/2026, located in Palaiseau. Salary is between 3131€ and 4143€ gross per month depending on experience, with 44 days of annual leave/RTT and transport support.

Application deadline: 2026-05-16. Official applications must be submitted via the CNRS portal.