Post-doctoral fellow in transmission and sensing over hollow-core-fibers-18 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 6 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 postdoctoral researcher specialising in transmission and detection in hollow-core fibres to join the COMELEC department at Télécom Paris.

Hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (HCPCFs) have recently reached a technological breakthrough with propagation losses as low as 0.1 dB/km at 1550 nm—comparable to or even better than standard telecom fibers [1-2]. Because light propagates primarily in air, HCPCFs exhibit 30–40% lower latency, ultra-low dispersion, and negligible optical nonlinearities. These unique properties make them highly promising for next-generation telecommunication systems, long-haul quantum key distribution (QKD), and distributed sensing.

The proposed project aims to develop and demonstrate the next generation of hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (HCPCFs) for high-speed data transmission and sensing. With light propagating in air rather than glass, HCPCFs enable lower latency and negligible optical nonlinearities compared to silica fibers, addressing key challenges for future data centers and optical networks. Our ambition is to demonstrate 400 Gbps transmission over a few kilometers of fiber samples from novel designs and investigate the potential of sensing applications over these HCPCFs. Such achievements require overcoming stringent specifications in single-mode guidance, polarization control, and low bend and coupling losses.

Two complementary groups will co-supervise the work, GPPMM, internationally recognized for HCPCF design and fabrication [3-5] and GTO, a leader in demonstration of high-speed optical communication and sensing systems [6-8]. Iterative feedback between fabrication and system-level testing will ensure that the fiber properties meet operational transmission and sensing requirements. Methodologically, the project combines numerical modeling, characterization and experimental validation across the C-band. Modeling and signal processing for polarization tracking developed at GTO will help in assessing and optimizing the transmission performance of HCPCFs designed and characterized at GPPMM.

About the PLEIADES project

The PLEIADES project is part of the PEPR "Networks of the Future" program funded by the ANR and consists of a consortium of 14 partners. One of the work packages focuses on next-generation hollow-core fibers and brings together many academic labs including LTCI, XLIM and PHLAM.

Your main responsibilities will include :

• To carry out research missions in the field of photonics

• To ensure supervision and tutoring missions

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

You hold a PhD or equivalent in electrical engineering, communications, photonics, signal processing or a related field. You have a solid understanding of optical transmission systems and networks, as well as digital signal processing (DSP) applied to communication systems or fibre-optic sensors. Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for the development of DSP algorithms would be an advantage. You have a keen interest in applied research and are comfortable working in a multicultural environment, particularly when supervising interns and/or students. A good command of English is essential. You also possess good interpersonal and teaching skills, are a team player, and have the ability to summarise and communicate complex information.

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). 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.

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

Other information :
Application deadline: november 30, 2026
Job type : 18 months fixed-term contract
Job description here

Salary : 36 000 € brut/year

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.