Junior Professor Chair (CPJ-CNRS): ‘Precision Measurements for fundamental physics’ (LAC, LKB, LPL)

Reference: https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CPJ/CPJ-2024-027/Default.aspx?lang=EN
Application deadline : March 20, 2024

A tenure-track position ‘CPJ’ (Junior Professor Chair) in atomic and molecular physics entitled ‘Precision Measurements for fundamental physics’ has been opened by the CNRS. The selected candidate will be affiliated to one of the following three laboratories in France: Laboratoire Aimé Cotton (LAC, Orsay), Laboratoire Kastler Brossel (LKB, Paris), Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL, Villetaneuse).

Pushing the limits of low-energy experiments is crucial for testing the fundamental laws of the universe and exploring physics beyond the standard model. Recent decades have seen remarkable advances in the precise control of light and matter, leading to the creation of experimental devices with exceptional sensitivity and accuracy. These progresses have paved the way for ambitious projects worldwide, particularly in the field of quantum sensor networks and platforms using trapped ions or cold atoms and molecules, offering unprecedented opportunities for detecting gravitational waves, investigating dark matter signatures, and testing fundamental symmetries.

Through the recruitment of a talented experimental physicist, this position aims to develop and strengthen one of the following two themes:

  • – The first theme focuses on establishing an innovative experimental platform leveraging quantum control of trapped ions or cold molecules for precision measurements. This should be implemented at LAC or LPL for the cold molecules part, and at LKB for trapped ions.
  • – The second theme concerns the development of quantum sensor networks operating beyond the standard limit, by incorporating quantum entanglement within and between the various sensors in the network. The candidate will work on the first atomic interferometer network, known as the MIGA antenna, at the Low Noise Underground Laboratory in Rustrel. He/she will be assigned to the LKB, where he/she will develop upstream studies.

This special position is not part of the usual CNRS competition but is a tenure-track position aimed at researchers with a significant research record in the scientific domain (salary will depend on experience). It is endowed with an ANR package of 200 000 euros and it is projected to lead to a permanent position of research director DR2 at CNRS after 3 to 6 years following a positive evaluation by a tenure commission. It also includes 42 hours of teaching (in English or in French) per year before tenure.

Contacts:
LAC: Olivier Dulieu
LKB: Antoine Heidmann
LPL: Anne Amy-Klein

CNRS UMR 7538
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93430 Villetaneuse, France