Postdoc in Soft Matter Physics in CNRS / ESPCI Paris – France

Summary

CNRS and ESPCI Paris invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Soft Matter Physics, based at the PICte joint research laboratory in Lacq, France. As part of the ANR-funded CoLiFlow project, the candidate will investigate the physical mechanisms governing the formation, stability, and dynamics of foams in organic liquid mixtures. Responsibilities include designing experimental studies using Bikerman columns and controlled depressurisation, conducting quantitative measurements, and developing predictive theoretical models. Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, possess strong knowledge of fluid mechanics or soft matter physics, and be fluent in both English and French. The application deadline is November 23, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	PICte joint research laboratory
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Physics
Research Area	Soft Matter Physics
Degree Required	PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
Experience	Sound knowledge of fluid mechanics, soft matter physics, or multiphase flows. Experience in experimental fluid dynamics is highly desirable.
Funding	CoLiFlow project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR)
Language	English and French
Deadline	2026-11-23
Employer Address	TotalEnergies' research site in Lacq (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France)

About the Project

The CoLiFlow project studies the physical mechanisms controlling the formation, stability, and dynamics of foams in mixtures of organic liquids. Positioned at the intersection of soft matter physics, interfacial physico-chemistry, and fluid mechanics, the project combines experimental work and theoretical modelling to connect macroscopic foam behavior to liquid film dynamics and liquid properties.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental studies on foam formation, stability, and drainage in hydrocarbon mixtures using Bikerman columns and depressurisation experiments.
• Characterise gas-liquid flow dynamics in vertical columns under various operating conditions.
• Perform quantitative measurements of foam height, liquid fraction profiles, and flow characteristics.
• Develop and validate theoretical models linking macroscopic foam behavior to liquid film dynamics.
• Contribute to data analysis, interpretation of experimental results, and dissemination through scientific publications and conference presentations.

Required Skills

• Sound knowledge of fluid mechanics, soft matter physics, or multiphase flows.
• Competence in experimental design, quantitative data analysis, image processing, and numerical modelling (e.g., MATLAB or Python).
• Fluency in spoken and written English and fluency in French.

Who Should Apply

Researchers holding a PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with expertise in fluid mechanics, soft matter physics, or multiphase flows, and fluency in both English and French.

About the Employer

The research will take place at PICte, a joint research laboratory established by ESPCI Paris – PSL and TotalEnergies, located at TotalEnergies' research site in Lacq, France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the research position located?

The research will be conducted at the PICte joint research laboratory located at TotalEnergies' research site in Lacq (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France).

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 23 November 2026 at 23:59 (CET).

What language skills are required?

Fluency in spoken and written English as well as fluency in French are required.

Which degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.