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Intelligent absorbing metasurfaces - Job Opportunity at Université Paris Nanterre

Ville-d'Avray, France
Contract
Entry-level
Posted: May 26, 2025
On-site
EUR 35,000-42,000 annually based on standard European doctoral stipends with additional research allowances typical for EU-funded defense technology projects

Benefits

European Union funding providing comprehensive research support and international collaboration opportunities
Access to cutting-edge research facilities at LEME laboratory with multidisciplinary expertise
Strong partnership with ONERA's Electromagnetism and Radar department offering industry exposure
Participation in European consortium meetings enabling international networking and knowledge exchange
36-month structured doctoral program providing extensive research experience and career development

Key Responsibilities

Lead groundbreaking research in autonomous metasurface technology combining reconfigurable design expertise with embedded electronics for next-generation stealth applications
Develop intelligent electromagnetic systems capable of real-time environmental sensing and self-adaptation to incoming waves in dynamic scenarios
Design and implement metamaterial structures using standard PCB technology on both rigid and flexible substrates for non-planar applications
Conduct theoretical and experimental investigations of metasurfaces for radiofrequency antennas, sensors, and microwave device applications
Integrate lumped electronic components to engineer multiple functionalities from single metasurface platforms
Collaborate with European research partners in consortium meetings to advance electromagnetic wave control technologies
Contribute to the advancement of metamaterial physics including negative refractive index and invisibility cloaking phenomena

Requirements

Education

Master or equivalent degree in electrical engineering, photonics or physics

Experience

Entry-level doctoral research position

Required Skills

antenna theory microwave engineering antenna arrays periodic structures embedded electronics
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The metamaterials market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by defense and aerospace applications, particularly in stealth technology and radar systems. The integration of artificial intelligence with electromagnetic materials represents a paradigm shift toward autonomous defense systems capable of real-time adaptation. European defense initiatives are heavily investing in electromagnetic spectrum dominance technologies, creating substantial demand for researchers specializing in intelligent metasurfaces. The convergence of 5G/6G wireless technologies with metamaterial engineering is opening new commercial applications beyond traditional defense sectors. The emergence of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) in telecommunications is driving massive investment in programmable electromagnetic environments. Industry leaders are recognizing that traditional static metamaterials cannot meet the dynamic requirements of modern electronic warfare and communication systems. The European Union's strategic autonomy in defense technologies is creating significant funding opportunities for researchers developing next-generation electromagnetic materials. Additive manufacturing and flexible electronics are revolutionizing metamaterial fabrication, enabling conformal surfaces that can be integrated into complex geometries. The integration of machine learning algorithms with electromagnetic sensing is creating intelligent systems that can predict and adapt to changing electromagnetic environments without human intervention.

Role Significance

Typically part of 8-12 member research groups within larger laboratory consortiums involving multiple European institutions and defense contractors
Doctoral research position representing entry into highly specialized electromagnetic engineering field with direct application to national security technologies and next-generation wireless systems

Key Projects

Development of autonomous electromagnetic cloaking systems for military vehicles and installations Design of reconfigurable antenna arrays for satellite communication systems Creation of intelligent electromagnetic absorbers for stealth aircraft applications Implementation of self-adaptive radar cross-section reduction technologies

Success Factors

Deep understanding of electromagnetic theory combined with practical implementation skills in embedded systems programming and circuit design Ability to bridge theoretical physics with engineering applications, particularly in translating complex metamaterial concepts into manufacturable designs using standard PCB processes Strong collaborative skills for working within international research consortiums and effectively communicating with both academic researchers and industry partners from defense contractors Proficiency in simulation software for electromagnetic modeling and optimization, combined with hands-on laboratory skills for prototyping and testing metamaterial structures

Market Demand

Extremely high demand driven by critical defense applications and emerging 6G telecommunications requirements, with limited supply of qualified researchers in this specialized field

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Antenna theory expertise is fundamental as metasurfaces function as sophisticated antenna arrays requiring deep understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation, radiation patterns, and impedance matching principles that directly impact system performance Microwave engineering knowledge is essential for designing and optimizing metamaterial structures operating at frequencies where component parasitic effects and transmission line theory become critical for achieving desired electromagnetic responses Embedded electronics proficiency enables integration of sensing and control capabilities that transform passive metamaterials into intelligent, adaptive systems capable of real-time reconfiguration based on environmental conditions

Beneficial Skills

Machine learning and signal processing skills would significantly enhance ability to develop autonomous adaptation algorithms for intelligent metasurfaces Advanced electromagnetic simulation software expertise using tools like CST Studio Suite or HFSS would accelerate research progress and enable optimization of complex metamaterial designs Knowledge of defense industry standards and security clearance eligibility would open additional opportunities for classified research projects with higher impact and funding levels Experience with flexible electronics and additive manufacturing would enable development of conformal metamaterial structures for integration into complex platform geometries

Unique Aspects

This position represents rare opportunity to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and electromagnetic engineering, developing technologies that will define next-generation defense capabilities and telecommunications infrastructure
Direct collaboration with ONERA, France's premier aerospace research organization, provides unprecedented access to classified research facilities and real-world application testing environments
European consortium involvement offers international exposure and networking opportunities with leading researchers and defense contractors across multiple countries
Focus on autonomous and intelligent systems positions researcher at forefront of emerging field where traditional electromagnetic engineering meets machine learning and embedded systems

Career Growth

3-5 years post-doctoral completion for senior technical roles, with potential for leadership positions within 7-10 years given the specialized nature and high demand for this expertise

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Engineer at defense contractors specializing in electronic warfare systems Principal Scientist at telecommunications companies developing 6G infrastructure Research and Development Manager at metamaterial technology startups Technical Lead at aerospace companies working on next-generation radar and communication systems

Company Overview

Université Paris Nanterre

Université Paris Nanterre operates as a leading French public research university with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, particularly through its LEME laboratory which focuses on cutting-edge electromagnetic research with direct applications to defense and telecommunications industries

Well-established academic institution with significant research output and strong partnerships with major European defense organizations including ONERA, positioning graduates for immediate integration into high-level defense and aerospace research roles
Strategic location in the Paris region provides access to Europe's largest concentration of defense contractors, telecommunications companies, and research institutions, creating unparalleled networking and career opportunities
Research-intensive environment emphasizing academic freedom combined with practical application focus, fostering innovation through collaboration between theoretical researchers and industry practitioners in a multicultural, international setting
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