Post-doctoral fellow in photonics - 12 months contract

Who we are ?

Télécom Paris, part of the IMT (Institut Mines-Télécom) and a founding member of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, is one of France's top 5 general engineering schools.

The mainspring of Télécom Paris is to train, imagine and undertake to design digital models, technologies and solutions for a society and economy that respect people and their environment.

We are looking for a Post-doctoral Fellow in photonics. You will join the COMELEC Department in GTO team. The Optical Telecommunications Group (GTO) is home to the research programs of six faculty members and a state-of-the-art laboratory on optical fiber transmission. We conduct advanced research in high-rate fiber-optic transmission, optical network architectures, advanced lasers for communications, integrated photonics, and distributed optical fiber sensors.

SCIENTIFIC CONTEXT

The postdoctoral research focuses on the development of chaotic optical systems operating in the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectral range, corresponding to wavelengths between approximately 8 and 14 microns. The primary objective is to harness quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) operating in complex dynamical regimes for applications in LiDAR-based ranging, physical random number generation (RNG), and the study of atmospheric turbulence effects at 10 µm.

This work is conducted within the framework of the ANR Optopirat project, which aims to investigate the propagation of information through turbid media and to assess how the use of chaotic carriers can enhance the robustness of information transmission under such conditions. The project lies at the crossroads of nonlinear optics, secure communications, and the physics of complex media, and includes a strong experimental component. It is also part of a broader, ambitious research strategy to push the boundaries of current optoelectronic systems operating in the LWIR domain, with potential applications in security, defense, environmental imaging, and physical-layer cryptography. The project involves extensive experimental work supported by advanced data analysis.

The selected candidate will be actively involved in several interconnected research directions. They will investigate nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation phenomena in QCLs induced by mechanisms such as optical feedback or external injection, with the goal of generating well-controlled optical chaos. In parallel, the candidate will contribute to the development of LiDAR methods based on chaotic waveforms in the LWIR domain, designed to be robust to atmospheric disturbances, particularly under turbulent propagation conditions. A significant part of the work will also focus on extracting and qualifying high-speed physical randomness from chaotic dynamics, with the aim of developing certifiable random number generators.

Your main tasks will be to :

• To carry out research missions in the fields of applied physics, photonics, and optoelectronics

• To ensure supervision and tutoring missions

• To contribute to the reputation of the School, the Institut Mines-Télécom and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent. You have a prior experience with infrared lasers (preferably QCLs), advanced optical instrumentation, or optical chaos.  Proficiency in signal processing and scientific programming tools such as Python, MATLAB, or LabView is essential

You are recognized for your ability to work in a team and for your interpersonal skills.

You are fluent in english.

Why join us?
You'll be working in a fast-growing, pleasant, green and accessible environment (especially for people with disabilities) just 20 km from Paris (RER B and C suburban train lines, close to major roads, shared shuttle departing from Porte d'Orléans). You will benefit from :

• 49 days annual leave (CA + RTT)

• flexible working hours (depending on department activity)

• telecommuting 1 to 3 days/week possible

• 75% public transport pass reimbursement

• Proximity to numerous sports facilities, concierge service, underground parking, in-house catering, etc.

• Staff association at school and ministry level

• Good to know: our social security contributions are lower than in the private sector

Other information :
Application deadline: September 19, 2025
Job type : 12 months fixed-term contract
Job description ici

Scientific contact person: Frédéric Grillot (frederic.grillot@telecom-paris.fr)

Administrative contact person: Hamidou YAYA KONE (hamidou.kone@telecom-paris.fr)

Our recruitment is based on skills, without distinction of origin, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and all our positions are open to individuals with disabilities.