Job offer

Overview

Organisation/Company University of Bordeaux - Institut des Sciences Moléculaires Department Matter and Radiation Sciences / Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Physics » Optics Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is an original technique allowing for the chemical, structural and morphological characterization of samples with nanoscale spatial optical resolution ( Chem. Soc. Rev. 2022 , 51, 2416). Nanoscale chemical characterization is extremely important to describe the composition and properties of heterogeneous nanomaterials, with strong implications in nanoelectronics (presence of localized defects affecting performances, etc.) and biology (DNA sequencing, protein/peptide aggregation processes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, etc.). However, the vast majority of TERS experiments are performed in dry conditions, which drastically limits the applicability of TERS in many scientific fields.

In the frame of the ANR project NanoChemILiA, we are currently optimizing a TERS system in total-internal reflection (TIR) for nanoscale chemical imaging in a liquid medium. TERS systems consist of a scanning probe microscope (atomic force microscope, AFM) optically coupled to a Raman microspectrometer. The high spatial resolution is then provided by the light excitation of the metal-coated AFM probe (referred to as the TERS tip), resulting in an intense and confined electromagnetic field at the tip apex. Raster scanning this hot spot on a sample yields a TERS image of the sample. Our TIR-TERS system has already proven its ability to image protein/peptide fibrils with 10-20 nm spatial resolution in ambient air and in water ( Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023 , 62, e ; J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2024 , 15, 10190), using special TERS probes fabricated by bipolar gold electrodeposition for measurements in an aqueous medium. Instrumental and technical improvements are underway to make our TIR-TERS system more versatile and user-friendly, and improve the properties of TERS tips ( Nanoscale 2025 , 17, 1411).

Apart from its instrumental/technical dimension, the ANR project NanoChemILiA aims to chemically map lipid membranes of different compositions in an aqueous medium to estimate the ability of the TIR-TERS technique to detect different hydrophilic lipid heads and hydrophobic tails (saturated or unsaturated), and then estimate the size, the distribution and the composition of lipid microdomains (such as lipid rafts) on composite membranes. These microdomains can have very variable sizes depending on their composition, ranging from the nanoscale to the microscale, and their very existence in vivo is still debated.

The successful candidate will participate to the development/testing of a liquid cell adapted to our TERS system, and will contribute to the preparation of TERS probes adequate for TERS imaging in an aqueous environment. He/she will perform hyperspectral TERS maps of model lipid membranes (i.e. supported lipid bilayers) and, eventually, native membranes (prepared from cell plasma membrane blebs) to identify and characterize molecular microdomains at the nanoscale. He/she may prepare samples for TERS following methods optimized by another postdoctoral fellow recruited five-six months before, in the frame of the project. He/she will process experimental data using spectral processing methods, including multivariate analysis methods if necessary. To ensure the project’s successful completion, he/she will be co-supervised by the two local managers of the NanoChemILiA project, namely Sébastien BONHOMMEAU (Associate professor, ISM ) and Cécile FEUILLIE (CNRS researcher, CBMN ). This will bring forth an exclusive multidisciplinary approach based on their complementary experimental and theoretical expertise in spectroscopy, microscopy, physical chemistry, biophysics, nanotechnology and data processing. Note that ISM and CBMN labs have already collaborated for many years on the TERS characterization of biological specimens ( Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017 , 56 , 1771; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018 , 57 , 15738; J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2020 , 11 , 3835; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023 , 62, e ; J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2024 , 15, 10190).

Candidate profile: The position is open to all candidates holding a PhD in Physical Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Photonics, Nanoscience, Biophysics or related disciplines. A thorough knowledge of atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and/or optical microscopy is highly recommended. A knowledge of multivariate analysis methods would be appreciated. The successful candidate should show clear motivation for experimental work and data processing, and should be capable of learning new skills. Good English communication skills (oral and written) are a prerequisite.

Starting date : January-February 2027 / Duration of contract : 18 months.

Application: To apply, please send a cover letter (2 pages maximum, including the name of two referees able to provide a recommendation letter under request), a detailed CV (including your scientific skills, your research experience, your Bachelor/Master grades, and your scientific production), and copies of Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD thesis diplomas to Dr. Sébastien Bonhommeau ( ).

Where to apply

E-mail

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Optics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Biophysics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The position is open to all candidates holding a PhD in Physical Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Photonics, Nanoscience, Biophysics or related disciplines. Good English communication skills (oral and written) are a prerequisite.

Specific Requirements

A thorough knowledge of atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and/or optical microscopy is highly recommended. A knowledge of multivariate analysis methods would be appreciated. The successful candidate should show clear motivation for experimental work and data processing, and should be capable of learning new skills.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistryPhysics » OpticsPhysics » Biophysics Years of Research Experience 1 - 4