The CEA-Saclay Quark-Gluon Plasma Laboratory (LQGP) is opening a junior staff position for an outstanding physicist in the field of experimental quark-gluon plasma physics.
The LQGP is part of the Department of Nuclear Physics (DPhN) of the Institute of Research into the fundamental laws of the Universe (IRFU) located at CEA Paris-Saclay (France), a founding member of Université Paris-Saclay.
IRFU is a highly dynamic scientific environment including research departments on astrophysics, nuclear, and particle physics as well as strong technical and engineering departments in system engineering, instrumentation, electronics, computing, cryogenics, and accelerator technologies.
Inside IRFU, DPhN focuses its research on the nucleon and the nucleus, with studies ranging from nuclear structure and reactions to hadron structure and quark-gluon plasma.
The LQGP is composed of eight permanent staff physicists working in the field of experimental quark-gluon plasma physics at CERN/LHC.
While being historically and strongly involved in the ALICE experiment, the LQGP is currently operating a smooth transition to the LHCb experiment and is increasing its participation in the LHC heavy-ion program.
A strong physics analysis activity has started around three axes: saturation, thermalization, and hadronization.
An important activity of R&D on CMOS pixels in view of the upgrade of the tracking detectors, a key component for the heavy-ion program of LHCb for Run 5, is also ongoing.
The new staff member is expected to contribute to the present and future activities of the LQGP, in particular by playing a key role in the completion of the ongoing R&D activity and the subsequent definition and realization of the LQGP contribution to the LHCb upgrade.
The new staff member will also lead new analyses of experimental data.
A Ph.D. or equivalent in experimental nuclear or particle physics, with preferably at least one post-doctoral experience, is requested.
A solid background in QGP physics is highly desired.
In-depth experience in high-energy experiments with a good knowledge in detector systems, software, and data analysis is required.
Past experience with silicon detectors would be greatly appreciated.
Candidates should send a cover letter describing their research activities and prospects, a Curriculum Vitae including a list of recent or important publications, at least two letters of recommendation, and a copy of their PhD thesis (as well as the jury report on their manuscript and/or PhD defense if applicable).
Documents should be sent preferably by email to chrissy.gigan@cea.fr (cc: javier.castillo@cea.fr), or alternatively by postal mail to:
Chrissy GIGAN
Irfu/DPhN
CEA Paris-Saclay
91191 Gif-sur-Yvette
FRANCE
For full consideration, all application material must be submitted by the 22nd of February 2026.
A committee will release the list of candidates selected for an interview by mid March 2026.
The interview of selected candidates is foreseen for early April 2026.
For inquiries, please contact Javier Castillo Castellanos (javier.castillo@cea.fr)