Post-doctoral position in ultrafast laser opto-acoustics F/H

The recruted researcher will perform experiments with the picosecond acoutic set-up at the physical acoustic departement at I2M and will strongly contribute to their analysis.
(S)he will be involved in complementary experiments made with the ultrafast pump-probe set-ups availble at LOMA (Team S. Dilhaire, LOMA, UMR CNRS 5798). The investigations with cells will be achieved in close collaboration with CBMN (Team S. Dilhaire, LOMA, UMR CNRS 5798).
The opto-acoutic team at I2M has achieved pionneering investigations of potential applications of the picosecond acoustics technique in biology. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 93, 123901 (2008)] An opto-acoustic microscope was built allowing the imaging of single animal cell with the mechanical properties as the contrast mechanism. [J. Biophotonics, 7, 453 (2014), Scientific Reports 5, 8650 (2015)]. The sensitivity to the chromatine compaction in cell nuclei was demonstrated also. [Photoacoustics 27, 100385 (2022)].
The project is dedicated to the probing of acoustic waves propagating in single cell nuclei. The recruited researcher will be in charge of an existing pump-probe optical set-up and of the asociated numerical processing tools. (S)he will be responsible for upgrades of the experimental set-up and for carrying out ultrafast acoustic experiments illustrating unique capabilities of this new modality for probing the intra-nucear mechanics. (S)he will benefit from the close partnership of the consortium members and of their strong expertise on both the experimental and theoretical aspects involved in this project.


Your activities will include:
# Picosecond opto-acoustic experiments
- You will take charge of the existing pompe-soude optical device dedicated to picosecond acoustics and the associated control codes;
- You implement the device's evolutions;
- You will define bio-mimetic samples;
- You participate in complementary pump-probe experiments (carried out at LOMA);
- You analyze the signals resulting from time-resolved Brillouin interaction;
- Finally, you will carry out picosecond acoustic experiments on cell nuclei.

# Promoting research results
- You take part in writing scientific articles;
- You help prepare oral presentations (national and/or international conferences).

The candidate will have hands-on experience in experimental physics involving optical techniques. A previous experience of the use of pump-probe optical techniques would be appreciated but is not mandatory. Attraction for mulidisciplinary research and biophysics is a strong asset. Skills in data processing are welcome. Beyond scientific aspects, autonomy, sociability, sense of initiative and organization, will be required qualities.
More information :
Based in Talence – access by tramway ligne B, buses, bike.
12 month fixed-term contract from 1st of April 2025.
NB: the position is based in a laboratory in the Restrictive Zone, which requires an investigation prior to hiring, which can take up to 8 weeks.
Salary gross : 2750 € according the salary grid

Job Benefits :
50 days of vacation from the first year of collaboration
Refill of 75% of the subscription to the public transport
Participation in the private healthcare up to 15€ / month
Leisure, sport and culture for all staff
Disabled-friendly establishment
Possibility of staff parking
Sustainable mobility package for commuting – work


Recruitment process : Applications are reviewed as they arrive.
Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the Recruitment Officer for a first pre-qualification phone conversation. An interview with the supervisor will then be organised.


Interested applicants should send a CV, brief statement of qualifications and basis for interest in the position.