Postdoc in Adaptive Optics for Ultrafast Laser-Matter Interaction, EPFL Neuchâtel (Galatea Lab)
Job Description
EPFL’s Galatea Laboratory is hiring a postdoc in adaptive optics to develop advanced wavefront-shaping methods for nonlinear, ultrafast laser-matter interaction (reference 2277).
At a glance
- Position: Postdoctoral research fellow, 100%
- Where: EPFL Neuchâtel campus (Microcity), Switzerland
- Lab head: Prof. Yves Bellouard
- Contract: One year, renewable
- Start: As soon as possible
- Pay: Not stated in the ad
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 18 October 2026)
About the adaptive optics postdoc
- Plan experiments on adaptive-optics wavefront shaping for nonlinear laser-matter interaction, backed by theory and the literature
- Run experiments and analyse the data
- Publish in journals and present at international conferences
- Work with lab colleagues and industrial partners
- Occasionally supervise bachelor’s and master’s students, and share in running the lab
The Galatea Lab, in EPFL’s School of Engineering, uses lasers to tailor material properties locally. Its work covers the physics of laser-matter interaction, 3D direct-write laser manufacturing and multi-scale systems made from a single monolithic piece of material. The lab is on EPFL’s Neuchâtel campus in Microcity, a centre for micro-technology.
Why this role matters
Femtosecond lasers can modify glass and other materials inside their volume, but the result depends heavily on how the beam is shaped at focus. Adaptive optics gives control over that shape, opening the door to finer and more reliable laser manufacturing. The post suits an experimental optics researcher who wants to see methods move towards industry and spin-offs.
What EPFL is looking for
- A recent PhD in optics, applied physics or a related field, with strong knowledge of optics
- Experience in adaptive optics and hands-on work with laser optical setups
- Keen interest in nonlinear optics, ultrafast lasers or laser-matter interaction
- Independence, creativity and the ability to work in a team
Pay and location
The ad does not state a salary. The contract is fixed term (CDD) for one year, renewable, at 100%, starting as soon as possible on EPFL’s Neuchâtel campus.
How to apply
Apply through the official EPFL job posting. EPFL’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 18 October 2026. Only applications through EPFL’s online platform are considered. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
See all our postdoc positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne)
Official advertisement: careers.epfl.ch
How to prepare for this application
- Show beam-shaping hands-on work: describe a setup where you used a deformable mirror or spatial light modulator, and how you closed the loop.
- Revise nonlinear absorption: know multiphoton and avalanche ionisation and how pulse duration and focusing change them.
- Bring aberration numbers: be ready to discuss depth-induced spherical aberration when focusing inside glass and how to correct it.
- Match the format: the ad asks for a cover letter (up to two pages), then a CV with publications, a research statement of up to three pages and three referees in one PDF.
- Think of industry: the lab works with industrial partners, so mention any applied project. See more optics and photonics jobs.
About EPFL
EPFL, the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, is one of Switzerland's two federal institutes of technology, alongside ETH Zurich. Its main campus is in Lausanne, and it also runs sites in Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Sion and Geneva. EPFL teaches and researches across engineering, computer and communication sciences, life sciences and basic sciences, and works in English and French.
