STAR φ Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physics

About the role

The UPSaclay STAR φ (Scientific Training And Research programme for the next generation of Physicists) offers 24-month postdoctoral fellowships at Université Paris-Saclay, co-funded by the European Union through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND action. Researchers propose their own project within one of more than 40 Paris-Saclay physics laboratories covering astrophysics, condensed matter, particle physics, quantum optics, quantum computing, biophysics, and materials science. Up to 41 fellows are recruited across two cohorts. Fellowships start in early 2027 (flexible). Open to postdoctoral researchers of any nationality. Application deadline: 15 July 2026.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead a 24-month original research project in your chosen physics sub-field at a Paris-Saclay laboratory.
• Work under the mentorship of a Paris-Saclay faculty member at the SOLEIL synchrotron or the French National Metrology Lab (LNE).
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Participate in STAR φ cross-disciplinary training workshops, science communication activities, and career development events.
• Contribute to open-science and reproducibility standards required by the COFUND programme.

Requirements

• PhD in physics or a closely related field, awarded by the start date of the fellowship (early 2027).
• No more than 8 years of full-time research experience since the award of the PhD (parental leave and career breaks may be deducted).
• Mobility rule: must not have resided or worked in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years before 15 July 2026.
• A self-proposed research project aligned with one of the STAR φ thematic areas (see the programme website for the thematic catalogue).
• Strong publication record relative to career stage.
• Any nationality is eligible.

Nice to have

• Experience with large-scale facilities (synchrotrons, accelerators, telescopes, or similar).
• Record of international or interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Prior engagement with outreach or public communication of science.

How to apply

1. Browse the thematic catalogue and list of hosting laboratories at the source link.
2. Contact a potential supervisor at the chosen laboratory to discuss project fit before applying.
3. Complete the online application at the source link: research proposal (4 pages), CV with full publication list, PhD certificate or letter from supervisor confirming expected award date, and two reference letters.
4. Submit before 15 July 2026 at 17:00 (Paris time).
5. Evaluations cover scientific excellence, project feasibility, and researcher potential. Results are communicated in October 2026; fellowships begin early 2027.