Post-doc: Ultrafast laser nanostructuring of titanium implant surfaces for dual antibacterial / biocompatible nanopatterns

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Post-doc: Ultrafast laser nanostructuring of titanium implant surfaces for dual antibacterial / biocompatible nanopatterns

Start date: 1st January 2027

Duration: 24 months

Application deadline: 15th November 2026

Location: Laboratoire Hubert Curien (UMR CNRS 5516), Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Étienne, France. Regular exchanges with LTDS (École Centrale de Lyon) and SAINBIOSE (Saint-Étienne) are anticipated.

The postdoc will work in the framework of the BLAST project (“Fighting Bacteria with ultrafast LAser fabrication of sharp nanoSTructured surfaces”), funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR, appel à projets générique AAPG2025, PRC scheme). BLAST is a 48-month collaboration coordinated by Dr. Virginie Dumas (LTDS, École Centrale de Lyon) and gathering LabHC (Université Jean Monnet – CNRS) and SAINBIOSE (Université Jean Monnet – INSERM). LabHC is jointly run by the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research) and Jean Monnet University.

Objectives :  The postdoc will lead the experimental effort of Work Package 1, aiming to control, by femtosecond laser processing, a diverse array of self-organized nanopatterns on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surfaces of medical interest. The objective is twofold: engineer a mechano-antibacterial surface covered with high-aspect-ratio nanospikes (typically 20-200 nm wide, 100-600 nm high, density ~100 peaks/μm²) able to perforate bacterial cell walls, while preserving or enhancing the biocompatibility required for implant integration. This dual antibacterial and biocompatible functionality, obtained with a single femtosecond laser process, is the central challenge of BLAST.

Keywords: Femtosecond laser, ultrafast laser-matter interaction, LIPSS, polarization shaping, nanostructuring, titanium alloy, antibacterial surfaces, biomimetic implants, AFM.

Qualifications :
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with an experimental background in ultrafast laser-matter interaction or laser surface engineering. The candidate should:

  • Hold a PhD in physics, materials science, optics/photonics or a closely related field.
  • Have hands-on experience with ultrafast laser processing and optical setups (interferometry, polarization control).
  • Have experience with surface characterization techniques (AFM and/or SEM).
  • Experience with electromagnetic simulations (FDTD) or with data analysis/programming (Python, Matlab) is an asset.
  • Have a record of peer-reviewed publications in laser-matter interaction, nanophotonics or surface engineering.
  • Be comfortable working in a collaborative, multi-partner research environment (LabHC, LTDS, SAINBIOSE).

How to apply:

Interested candidates should send a CV and an optional short cover letter to both:

  • Prof. Jean-Philippe Colombier  jean.philippe.colombier @ univ-st-etienne.fr
  • Sedao  xxx.sedao @ univ-st-etienne.fr

Download the detailed offer here

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Note: All employment at the Hubert Curien Laboratory is decided on the sole basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need. All are encouraged to apply to job openings regardless of their origin, identity, health, beliefs and orientations.

Published on September 18, 2026