Post Doc position in THz spectroscopy of Macromolecules, CNRS in Lyon, France

We’re looking for a Post-Doctoral Researcher for a 24-month position in Lyon, France, with a possible extension to 36 months. Funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant, this role is an opportunity to lead a significant research project and participate in the launch of a new research activity. We need a key collaborator, someone who is ready for a leadership role.

Context and Objectives

Proteins perform essential functions in living organisms, from oxygen transport to photosynthesis. Their intricate nano-structure dictates this function, and modifications can have devastating consequences, as seen in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This underscores the need for techniques capable of probing protein nano-structure. Existing techniques often face limitations in realistic environments and conditions.
Vibrational spectroscopy in the Terahertz (THz) range offers a promising alternative. Analogous to how musical instruments produce sounds based on their size, the frequency of vibrations in proteins corresponds to nanometric sizes in the THz range. The research fellow will build on our prior work, using our developed devices to analyze biological material from amino acids to protein microcrystals. Using a dedicated cryostat, you will explore the vibrational properties of proteins from 4K to body temperature. The ultimate goal is to obtain high-quality data to better understand the structures and functions of biological molecules.

The project

Our project focuses on using innovative Terahertz (THz) technology to study protein structure and dynamics. The core of this work is to enhance light-matter interaction in the THz range at the micro and nanoscale to enable sample analysis first, and then ultra-strong coupling. We use antennas and resonators to overcome the size mismatch between THz wavelengths and biological objects.

Your role

Your role will be hands-on and diverse. The specific responsibilities will be defined based on your profile and skills, ensuring a strong fit with the project’s needs and your own expertise. As a key collaborator, you will work alongside me and two other PhD students, taking the lead on the tasks that best suit your strengths. This could involve the design, optimization, and fabrication of advanced devices using numerical methods like FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) ; taking charge of spectroscopic experiments to analyze biological samples under various conditions; or driving the analysis of experimental data and initiating new high-impact publications.

Your profile

We are seeking a Ph.D. holder in Physics, Material Science, Engineering, or a related field. We don’t expect a single candidate to possess every skill and experience, but rather a quick learner with a strong foundation in at least one or two of the following core areas:

  • Experimental spectroscopy or optics.
  • Terahertz spectroscopy of materials, in cryogenic environments.
  • Electromagnetism or wave propagation simulation and design.
  • Nanophotonics and strong light-matter coupling in any spectral range (e.g., plasmonics,metamaterials).
  • Scientific programming and data processing.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project, email romain.peretti@cnrs.fr