Postdoctoral researcher (M/F) on the optical properties of atmospheric microplastics and their applications to remote sensing

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire d'optique atmosphèrique Research Field Environmental science Environmental science Earth science Environmental science Global change Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 16 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 18 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique (LOA) at the University of Lille is offering a
postdoctoral position focused on investigating the optical properties of atmospheric microplastics and their applications to remote sensing. These particles, recently recognized as an emerging component of atmospheric aerosols, have optical properties that remain poorly understood, limiting our knowledge of their radiative impacts and the potential for their remote detection. The project aims to improve their characterization through laboratory measurements and numerical simulations, particularly within the framework of the MAPS project (Microplastiques Atmosphériques Par Satellite; PNTS). The research may also extend to the optical properties of ice crystals, particularly in the infrared spectral region, to explore the potential for distinguishing these different types of particles using hyperspectral observations, especially in the context of the FORUM and IASI-NG satellite
missions. More broadly, this work aims to improve our understanding of the interactions between atmospheric particles and radiation, as well as their representation in climate models and the interpretation of satellite
observations.

The successful candidate will primarily contribute to the analysis of experimental data aimed at characterizing the spectral optical properties of atmospheric microplastics. Particular emphasis will be placed on measurements performed at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility, especially for determining the complex refractive indices of different polymer types. This work may be complemented by the analysis of measurements from other laboratory experiments, including those conducted in atmospheric simulation chambers. The activities may also involve new experimental studies of the optical properties of airborne microplastics, as well as the use and
development of light-scattering and atmospheric radiative transfer models. In addition, the successful candidate may continue research on the optical properties of ice crystals, particularly to investigate their spectral signatures and explore the potential for distinguishing them from those of microplastics in hyperspectral atmospheric
observations, in connection with the FORUM and IASI-NG satellite missions.

The successful candidate will be based at LOA, within the Clouds and Radiation research group. Close collaborations are planned with the teams at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility for the analysis of spectroscopic measurements. Additional collaborations may be developed with teams working at the CESAM
atmospheric simulation chamber (Université Paris-Est Créteil), the Institut Lumière Matière (iLM, Lyon), and the PC2A laboratory (University of Lille).

• PhD in physics, optics, atmospheric sciences, or a related field.
• Knowledge of spectroscopy and the optical properties of materials or particles.
• Experience in the analysis and processing of experimental data.
• Knowledge of radiative transfer modeling and/or atmospheric remote sensing would be an advantage.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in a scientific programming language (Python, MATLAB, Fortran, etc.).

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