The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
2025-36786
The mission of the CEA's Fundamental Research Division, which is based at all the CEA's civilian centres, is to carry out research in line with the CEA's missions in the fields of physics, chemistry and life sciences, areas in which its excellence is recognised worldwide.
Attached to the CEA's Fundamental Research Division (DRF), IRAMIS focuses on new energy
technologies, quantum technologies, new materials, complex systems and radiation-matter interaction.
A two-year postdoc position is available in the SPHYNX group of the SPEC unit at CEA Saclay . It is part of a project with CEA-NIMBE's LIONS group, to develop a new class of ultralight mechanical metamaterials with random architectures optimized to deliver a novel set of mechanical performances, particularly for energy applications. It is supported by the CEA as part of its Audace program, and by the PEPR DIADEM as part of the targeted ADAM project . Funding is expected to be for two years (one year renewable once).
Condensed Matter Physics, chemistry, nanosciences
Fixed-term contract
Postdoc offer on the physics of mechanical metamaterials H/F
Executive
24
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
1. Develop the numerical and analytical tools required to design these tunable random architectures and predict the mechanical behavior of the resulting metamaterials (elastic moduli, yield strength, toughness).
2. Use these tools to develop new brick-and-mortar architectures inspired by osteoderms, combining lightness, hardness, and toughness in unprecedented ways.
She/he will play a central role in directing and carrying out the above program, drawing on the skills present in the two partner groups. More generally, she/he will also benefit from the ecosystem developed around the PEPR DIADEM and the ADAM project. Its results will be disseminated via scientific publications, conference presentations, and even patenting if the application potential lends itself to this.
Required profile:
· With a PhD in physics or mechanical engineering, the successful candidate will have acquired solid skills in the mathematical and numerical methods developed in solid and structural mechanics. In the course of their previous experience, they will have developed knowledge in one or more areas of non-linear physics or solid mechanics, such as fracture mechanics, deformation and buckling of slender structures, mechanical instabilities, or architectural materials.
· Curious and creative by nature, the successful candidate will have a keen interest in conducting collaborative research in an interdisciplinary environment involving students, researchers, technicians, and students with diverse skills.
· The successful candidate will have demonstrated writing skills, in writing articles in particular.
Practical aspects:
This postdoctoral research position is funded for two years (one year renewable) with a September/December 2025 start date (to be defined with the successful candidate). Salary level will depend on the experience of the candidate recruited (post-docs who have just completed their thesis are very welcome). It will take place at CEA Saclay's Orme des Merisiers center, located on the Université Paris-Saclay site, 25 km south of Paris, and easily accessible by public transport.
How to apply:
Candidates should send their application by email to Daniel Bonamy, Valérie Geertsen, and Patrick Guenoun (daniel.bonamy@cea.fr, valerie.geertsen@cea.fr, patrick.guenoun@cea.fr). The application includes a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a list of two references to contact (at least two)
Contact : M. Daniel Bonamy, +33 1 69 08 21 14, daniel.bonamy@cea.fr
Mme Valérie Geertsen, +33 6 43 36 05 45 valerie.geertsen@cea.fr
M Patrick Guenoun, +33 69 08 74 33, patrick.guenoun@cea.fr
Saclay
France, Ile-de-France, Essonne (91)
saclay
Doctorat
01/09/2025
The CEA is the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission ("Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives"). It is a public body established in October 1945 by General de Gaulle. A leader in research, development and innovation, the CEA mission statement has two main objectives: To become the leading technological research organization in Europe and to ensure that the nuclear deterrent remains effective in the future.
The CEA is active in four main areas: low-carbon energies, defense and security, information technologies and health technologies. In each of these fields, the CEA maintains a cross-disciplinary culture of engineers and researchers, building on the synergies between fundamental and technological research.
The civilian programs of the CEA received 49% of their funding from the French government, and 30% from external sources (partner companies and the European Union).
The CEA had a budget of 4,3 billion euros.
The CEA is based in ten research centers in France, each specializing in specific fields. The laboratories are located in the Paris region, the Rhône-Alpes, the Rhône valley, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Aquitaine, Central France and Burgundy. The CEA benefits from the strong regional identities of these laboratories and the partnerships forged with other research centers, local authorities and universities.
