Three-year PhD position in plasmonic and photo physics: spatially programed hot-electron generation in plasmonic metasurfaces

RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/ R1: First stage Researcher
RESEARCH FIELD(S) AND DISCIPLINES1:Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences

JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for a curious and motivated PhD student to join our plasmonics and photophysics team and work at the interface of nanophotonics and energy-related applications. Key challenges in solar energy harvesting and photocatalysis stem from limited control of electronic excitations at the nanoscale. Hot electrons in metal nanostructures enable photochemical and optoelectronic processes beyond conventional semiconductors, but practical use is hindered by the lack of spatial control over their generation.

This PhD project will address this by engineering metasurfaces with programmable, spatially localized hot-electron activity. Plasmonic and hybrid nanoantennas arranged in dichroic geometries will be fabricated using scalable lithographic approaches to tailor absorption and hot-electron generation landscapes. Under polarization-controlled illumination, hot-electron activity will be probed via site-selective photocatalysis, photodetection, and localized photopolymerizationIn collaboration with material scientists in the group at the CINaM, self-assembled metasurfaces will be studied using the same probing strategies to provide a direct comparison between lithographically fabricated and colloidal metasurfaces. This combined approach will define the limits and opportunities of spatial hot-electron engineering across top-down and bottom-up methods. Moreover, the plasmon-assisted photopolymerization and photocurrent measurements will be performed in collaboration with IM2NP (Institut Matériaux Microélectronique Nanosciences de Provence, Marseille) and ICR (Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, Marseille) institutes.

WHAT WE OFFER:
A fully funded PhD contract for 3 years. The recruited PhD candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment at the interface of nanophotonics, materials science, and energy-related applications. The project offers access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication, advanced optical characterization facilities, and computational resources, as well as close interaction with experimental and theoretical researchers. The candidate will benefit from strong international collaborations, opportunities for short research stays, training in scientific communication and publishing, and the opportunity to present their work at two international and two national scientific conferences, providing excellent preparation for an academic or industrial research career.

About the group
You will perform this project in the group “Surface Nanostructuring for Energy” under the supervision of Dr. Artur Movsesyan and Dr. Beniamino Sciacca in a highly dynamic and international team. The group has a strong background in synthetic chemistry, surface functionalisation, nanophotonics, nanofabrication, nanoscale photovoltaic devices, and in the characterisation of optical, structural, electrical and chemical properties of materials. The hosting environment is equipped with state-of-the art facilities in nanofabrication and material characterisation.

Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information onAMU EURAXESS Portal

TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY
JOB STATUS: FULL TIME
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK program
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30/04/2026 00:00
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/09/2026
ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months

WORK LOCATION(S): CINaM, Campus de Luminy, Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS:
We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, applied physics, materials science, nanotechnology, or electrical engineering, and a strong background in optics, nano-optics, or plasmonics. The candidate should have hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work and be familiar with nanofabrication/microfabrication techniques, including cleanroom processes or optical microscopy and spectroscopy. Scientific writing and communication skills in English are required. Additional skills that will be appreciated include experience with electrical measurements, including photocurrent, and device characterization, is a plus. Familiarity with photopolymerization or surface functionalization techniques, along with computational approaches such as FDTD or FEM, will also be appreciated.

SOFT SKILLS: Analytical and critical thinking, motivation, flexibility

REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, SELECTION PROCESS:
The formal application must include:

• a CV,
• transcripts for both Bachelor (Licence) and Master studies,
• a short summary of previous research experience (internships or research projects)
• two letters of recommendation: one from the internship or research project supervisor and one from the Master program coordinator or responsible faculty member.

WHERE TO APPLY:[emailprotected]