Phd test
CIFRE PhD offer: Elaboration of thin film coatings and laser processing for the customization of secure ID documents
Start: 1st November 2023
Location: Hubert Curien Lab + IREIS Lab , Saint-Etienne, France
Deadline: A.S.A.P. before 1st September 2023.
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.
The objective of this project is to develop innovative secure printing solutions for visual authentication of physical ID documents to prevent their counterfeiting (illegal reproduction of a genuine document) and forgery (alteration of a part of a genuine document to give misleading information).
Expected candidate profile:
- Advanced knowledge in optics, photonics and material science
- Experience in programming with Python (or similar)
- Open-minded, curious and interested in working with both industry and academia
- Ability to take initiatives and work in autonomy, good French writing and communication skills
- At least B2 level in English
Download the detailed offer here
Information and application: Send all documents listed in the offer above to both:
- Prof. Nathalie DESTOUCHES: nathalie.destouches @ univ-st-etienne.fr
- Laurent DUBOST: ldubost @ hef.group
Applications can be written in French or English.
PhD: Development of a predictive model for determining the spectral dependence of radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) in optical fibers
Expected start date: Oct 1st 2026
Duration: 36 months
Application deadline: March 20th 2026.
Location: Laboratoire Hubert Curien, Saint-Etienne, France
This PhD will focus on the development of a predictive, multi-scale, and multi-physics model for the spectral dependence of Radiation-Induced Attenuation (RIA) in silica-based optical fibers exposed to harsh radiative environments. The work will integrate numerical modeling of point defect generation, recombination, and temperature-dependent dynamics with experimental spectral characterizations and irradiation campaigns (notably on the PETRA platform for X-rays and through external collaborations for other particles), in order to establish quantitative links between key influencing parameters - fiber composition, operating wavelength, total ionizing dose, dose rate, and temperature - and the resulting RIA evolution, ultimately enabling more reliable design of optical systems and sensors for applications in space, nuclear fusion and fission, and medical contexts.
Prerequisites:
We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Master's degree or engineering diploma in applied physics, optics, photonics or materials science.
- Interest in multi-scale and multi-physics phenomena, combining modeling, theory and experimentations.
- Analytic and experimental skills proven by MSc-work or work experience.
- Good knowledge of scientific tools such as Python or Matlab.
- Positive attitude towards a multidisciplinary environment with multiple stakeholders.
- Good knowledge of the English language (oral and writing) and/or of French language.
- Good communications skills (soft skills), and the ability to work in collaboration with industry.
- Scientific curiosity and experimental rigor.
- Capability to synthesize and communicate scientific results for use in institutional and industrial projects.
The following additions would be a great asset:
- Experience in spectroscopy, optical measurements and fiber characterization techniques.
- A background in fiber optics and materials physics.
Download the detailed offer here
Information and application: CV, cover letter and copy of ID document to be sent to:
Prof. Adriana MORANA (PhD thesis supervisor): adriana.morana @ univ-st-etienne.fr
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.
PhD: Development of an optical fiber dosimeter based on Radiation-Induced Luminescence for y-rays and neutrons discrimination
Expected start date: before Oct 1st 2026
Duration: 36 months
Application deadline: March 20th 2026.
Location: Laboratoire Hubert Curien, Saint-Etienne, France
This PhD topic is focused on the study of the inorganic and vitreous silica materials doped with rare-earth ions, with different compositions and geometry, to develop fiber-based neutron dosimeters allowing accurate real-time measurements of the neutron flux and fluence and able to discriminate between g-rays and neutrons.
Prerequisites:
- Master's degree or engineering diploma in applied physics, optics, photonics or materials science.
- Interest in multi-scale and multi-physics phenomena, combining modeling, theory and experimentations.
- Analytic and experimental skills proven by MSc-work or work experience.
- Good knowledge of scientific tools such as Python or Matlab.
- Positive attitude towards a multidisciplinary environment with multiple stakeholders.
- Good knowledge of the English language (oral and writing) and/or of French language.
- Good communications skills (soft skills), and the ability to work in collaboration with industry.
- Scientific curiosity and experimental rigor.
- Capability to synthesize and communicate scientific results for use in institutional and industrial projects.
The following additions would be a great asset:
- Experience in spectroscopy, optical measurements and fiber characterization techniques.
- A background in fiber optics and materials physics.
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulation tools such as PHITS, FLUKA, Geant4, MCNP.
Download the detailed offer here
Information and application: CV, cover letter and copy of ID document to be sent to:
Prof. Adriana MORANA adriana.morana @ univ-st-etienne.fr
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.
PhD: Laser-induced transfer of nanoplasmonic materials on large surfaces for advanced plasmon-enhanced photoreactivity
Start: Any time between 01/03/2025 and 01/10/2025
Duration: 3 years
Application deadline: 1st May 2025
Location: Laboratoire Hubert Curien, Saint-Etienne, France
The PEPR LUMA funded SUNRISE project aims at exploiting plasmonic interactions to selectively modify the interaction between light and chromophores on a nanometric scale. In this context, the thesis aims to fabricate large-area functional surfaces with plasmon-enhanced photoreactivity and to integrate them in innovative photochemical flow reactors. These functional surfaces will be used to improve photoinduced synthesis and sensing.
Prerequisites:
- Master's degree in physics with major in photonics.
- Solid background in physics to conduct experimental research involving the use and development of ultrafast laser instrumentation, spectroscopy, microscopy, plasmonic system modelling, and data analysis.
- English language: B2 level
- Strong motivation to address key questions related to the fundamental laser-induced physics and chemistry of metallic nanoparticles.
- Ability to take initiative and work autonomously
Download the detailed offer here
Information and application : CV + cover letter + bachelor and master transcripts + reference names or recommendation letters, to be sent to:
- Prof. Nathalie Destouches nathalie.destouches @ univ-st-etienne.fr
- Prof. Yves Jourlin yves.jourlin @ univ-st-etienne.fr
- Dr Christophe Hubert christophe.hubert @ univ-st-etienne.fr
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.
PhD: Super resolved hybrid laser processing using ultrafast irradiation and chemical etching
Expected start date: September 2026
Duration: 36 months
Application deadline: Applications will be processed upon receipt; applicants are encouraged to apply without delay
Location: Laboratoire Hubert Curien, Saint-Etienne, France
This Ph.D. thesis will aim at developing a novel and innovative laser processing methodology capable of overcoming fundamental physical limitations such as the optical diffraction limit and uncontrolled thermal diffusion phenomena, while resulting in surface features at optical quality.
We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:
- MSc degree or equivalent in applied/experimental physics and/or related areas
- Analytic and experimental skills proven by MSc-work or work experience
- Background in optics, nonlinear optics, material science and/or solid state physics
- Ability to develop a software infrastructure for data acquisition and processing
- Motivation and strong interest in laser-matter interaction and laser material processing
- Knowledge of the English language (oral and writing) and communications skills
The following additions would be a great asset:
- Expertise in glasses, defects and in ultrafast spectroscopy
- Knowledge of laser physics and optical alignments
- Programming experience
Download the detailed offer here
Application : CV + Cover letter + Copy of valid ID + Recommendation letters, to be sent to:
- Dr. Vincenzo De Michele vincenzo.demichele @ univ-st-etienne.fr
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.
