Announcement:

Looking for a PhD? Join our teams advancing the Sciences of Light in Université Paris-Saclay. The LIGHTinPARIS  Doctoral Programme announces its  first call for applications !  This prestigious EU co-funded programme brings together cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research in the field of light sciences, offering fellows a unique opportunity to collaborate with an internationally recognized network of scientists at the Université Paris-Saclay.  

Funded under the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme, 16 doctoral/research fellows will be recruited in this inaugural call for 2025. Each fellowship will last 36 months and provide an exceptional platform for advancing your research career, whether your goal is interdisciplinary, intersectoral (industrial), or international experience.

LIGHTinPARIS is supported by six core partners: Université Paris-Saclay, Thales, Pasqal, Quandela, AbbeLight, and ONERA.  

To learn more about the LIGHTinPARIS, including details about the project's first call, application process, and evaluation criteria, visit LIGHTinPARIS webpage.

Research Areas:

You will find on our webpage 33 research projects in the following areas:

1. Atomic, molecular and plasma physics
2. Biophotonics
3. Extreme light
4. Imaging
5. Information and communication technologies
6. Instrumentation, sensors and detectors
7. Lasers
8. Materials
9. Nanophotonics
10. Photochemistry
11. Quantum technologies

Timeline:

Application closes: 26th of March 2025

Evaluation and selection process: 28th of March 2025 until the 30th of May 2025

Publication of decision results: 4th of June 2025

To get more familiar with the application requirements – visit the LIGHTinPARIS website: Application Process 

Salary:

The gross salary prior to employee tax deduction for LIGHTinPARIS positons is €2,400 per month. This includes a mobility allowance of €50 and a travel allowance up to €150 per month.

PhD students will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience during their PhD, if their advisor agrees.

If they teach, they will receive an extra pay for this activity: €340 gross salary per month for a total of 64 hours per year.

Minimum qualification requirements:

To be eligible for the PhD position, candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule. This means applicants from any country in the world are welcome, provided they:

• Have not resided or carried out their main activities(work, studies, etc.) in the host country (France) for more than 12 months during the 3 years immediately before their starting date of recruitment (except for those applying for refugee status under the Geneva Convention).
• Must not have spent more than 12 months within the 36 months immediately preceding their recruitment date at the same appointing organization. This requirement applies to all international EU research organizations, international organizations, or entities established under Union law.
   

 Additionally, to be eligible, you:

• Should hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) by the recruitment date. 
• Should be available to begin employment in October or November 2025.

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted through the official Université Paris-Saclay portal: ADUM.

NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Process:

1. Eligibility Screening: Applications will be reviewed for compliance with eligibility criteria.

2. External Evaluation: Each application will be reviewed by two external experts.

3. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for on-line interviews. 

Additional Information and Contact: 

What we offer

1. Quality of life

Located just outside Paris, Université Paris-Saclay offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of one of Europe’s leading research hubs. With convenient access to Paris (just about 30 minutes by the local train), as well as major international airports, the region combines the advantages of a dynamic academic community with proximity to the cultural and professional opportunities of the French capital. We value a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, generous annual paid leave, and a range of additional benefits that you will enjoy upon joining us!  

2. Prospects

We guarantee a secure 3-year doctoral fellowship within the framework of the LIGHTinPARIS programme co-funded under the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme. These positions are designed to provide outstanding early-stage researchers with opportunities for interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and international experience in a stimulating environment.

3. Benefits 

Our fellows enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:  

- healthcare and retirement benefits, 

- tuition fees and membership to French and European Optical Society are covered by the programme, 

- subsidies for public transport and the campus cafeteria,

- language courses.

Sounds interesting?

Take the next step in your career by applying between January 15, 2025, and March 26, 2025. Detailed instructions are provided in the LIGHTinPARIS Applicant Guide on our website.  

We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and warmly encourage applications from all qualified candidates.  

For any further details on the programme, eligibility criteria, and the application process, visit the LIGHTinPARIS website.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to the LIGHTinPARIS community!