Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Dynamics of Ultrashort Laser-Matter Interactions and Shockwave Propagation Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne in France

Postdoctoral position in molecular dynamics and ultrashort laser-matter interactions at Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne / Laboratoire Hubert Curien, in collaboration with Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg and Georges Friedel Laboratory in Saint-Etienne.

The project is part of the PREDICT computational research team and focuses on multi-scale TTM-MD atomistic simulations to study the non-equilibrium dynamic response of metal targets under extreme pressure, compression, and tensile conditions. The research connects theoretical modeling with experimental data from X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) measurements of laser-induced pressure wave dynamics.

Research themes and keywords include laser-matter interaction, laser peening, molecular dynamics, ultrashort laser, shockwave propagation, elastic and plastic deformation, dislocations, and equation of state. The team works on physics-based and data-driven multiscale models, including classical and reactive MD, two-temperature models, hybrid continuum-atomistic coupling, and related computational methods.

Eligibility highlights: PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fields; strong expertise and publication record in computational molecular dynamics; solid background in laser-solid interactions and thermodynamics; programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or C++; experience with LAMMPS is expected; English proficiency required. Experience with machine learning, parallel programming, and manuscript preparation is a plus.

Funding: 18-month fellowship funded by EUR Manutech-SLEIGHT with an approximate gross salary of 4400 € per month.

Start date: planned for September–October 2026.

How to apply: Contact Dr. Anton Rudenko by email and provide an updated CV, motivation letter, and three references. Candidates may also contact the team informally with questions.