Nom de l'entreprise / du laboratoire: LPP

The Laboratory of Plasma Physics (LPP, UMR 7648) (Sorbonne Université, Paris, France) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in plasma physics to develop and characterize cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) sources and diagnostics in support of a multidisciplinary program targeting liver fibrosis and tissue remodeling.

1. SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND

Fibrosis modulation by CAP requires quantitative control of plasma chemistry and delivered reactive species at the plasma–liquid/tissue interface. This project focuses on the physics of atmospheric-pressure discharges and their physico-chemical outputs (RONS generation, transport and conversion), with the goal of establishing reproducible, traceable plasma operating modes that can be correlated with biological readouts in liver-relevant models. The work is embedded in a broader interdisciplinary effort (liver biology, advanced human 3D models, proteomics/omics), but the postdoc will primarily drive the plasma source engineering, diagnostics and data-driven signatures that enable mechanistic interpretation.

2. MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

Under the supervision of Dr Thierry Dufour (PI), the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to plasma-physics tasks and the interface with biological partners, including:

2.1. Cold atmospheric plasma source development)

* Contribute to the development/optimization of chemically tunable CAP sources with robust operation, compatible with biomedical constraints and suited to humid environments; when relevant, consider operation in confined / endoscopy-like geometries (duct- or cavity-like conditions).
* Fine-tune electrical parameters (micro-/nano-pulsed power supplies, repetition rate, pulse width, amplitude) while meeting thermal/electrical safety constraints and ensuring treatment reproducibility.

2.2. Plasma physico-chemical characterization

* Implement diagnostics and measurements such as mass spectrometry, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), fast ICCD imaging, and infrared imaging, including spatio-temporal analysis of ionization waves and estimation of gas/electron temperature, electron density, electric field, and key reactive species (e.g., O, OH, N2*).

* Develop calibrated characterization protocols on representative cavity/duct-like models when needed (to mimic confined geometries), and verify non-ablative operating conditions (typically < ~35°C at the target), alongside uncertainty/reproducibility assessment.

2.3. Support to in vivo/ex vivo campaigns (physics-bio interface)

* Support preclinical experiments (murine and porcine models, as relevant) to ensure reproducible plasma exposures and traceability of the key physical parameters (delivered energy, signatures, temperature constraints, geometry).

* Work closely with biologists/immunologists and clinical endoscopists within the consortium to translate plasma measurements into interpretable descriptors of the delivered physico-chemical “dose”.

2.4. Scientific dissemination

Prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, and contribute to valorization/IP related to the device as the project advances.

 

3. CANDIDATE PROFILE

3.1. Required

* PhD in plasma physics, applied physics, electrical engineering/physics, or a closely related field.

* Strong hands-on experience with atmospheric-pressure cold plasmas, pulsed high-voltage discharges, instrumentation and diagnostics (e.g. OES, ICCD, IR, MS, electrical measurements).

* Ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment, strong experimental rigor, and safety culture.

3.2. Desirable

* Experience with plasma chemistry control/quantification, plasma–liquid interaction, or kinetic/transport reasoning at atmospheric pressure.

* Experience with optical instrumentation calibration, hyperspectral systems, synchronized acquisition and data processing (Python/Matlab).

* Interest in prototyping and supervision of students/interns.

4. POSITION DETAILS

* Location: Laboratory of Plasma Physics (LPP), at Sorbonne Université, 4 Place Jussieu, Tower 34, Stairs 4, 75005 Paris.

* Duration: 18 months (6 months + 12 months).

* Starting date: flexible but ideally between April and June 2026

* Salary: following French public research scales & experience.

 

5. TO APPLY, SEND AS A SINGLE PDF:

* CV (including publications list),

* Cover letter (1-2 pages) describing relevant HV, diagnostics, plasma experience and motivation for interdisciplinary work

* Support letter: at least 1.

 

6. CONTACT/PI
thierry.dufour@sorbonne-universite.fr

 

https://lpp.ip-paris.fr/sites/lpp/files/content/Med_Onco_PostDoc_2026_Firecap.pdf