To find the right proposal !
Internship and thesis proposals
Criteria for selection
Number of proposals
40
1
Transport, extraction and thermalization of hot carriers
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Quantum Machines
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When high energy photons are absorbed in a material, carriers are photo-generated with a large of kinetic energy above the band edge. In some well-tailored devices, it is possible to slow down carrier relaxation such that carriers form a “hot” distribution that may offer a pathway to very high efficiency of solar energy conversion. Two positions are available . The internships will have experimental and theoretical sides, and will be carried out in the framework of the ERC ULTIMATEPV.
Contact
Jean François Guillemoles
13/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
2
Stochastic Modeling of Plant Root Hair Growth
Domaines
Biophysics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship focuses on stochastic modeling of plant root hair growth, exploring the mechanochemical couplings between turgor pressure, cell wall rheology, and biochemical remodeling. The project aims to understand how plant cells maintain cell wall integrity under mechanical stress and stochastic secretion, producing oscillatory growth patterns. The intern will develop and analyze stochastic differential equation models, perform numerical simulations, and validate predictions against experimental data. Collaboration with INRAE (Versailles) ensures alignment with biological observations, offering a unique interdisciplinary experience at the intersection of theoretical physics and biophysics.
Contact
Antoine Fruleux
Laboratory : LPTMS - UMR 8626
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
13/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
3
Accélération de simulations numériques des fluides astrophysiques par apprentissage statistique
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Les simulations numériques fluides sont centrales pour comprendre la physique des disques protoplanétaires, berceau des planètes. Un défi est de prendre en compte de manière cohérente les multiples échelles de taille en jeu pour former des planètes, ce qui nécessite des résolutions spatiales très importantes. Une solution est de résoudre les équations physiques aux grandes échelles et de corriger les erreurs dues à l'absence des petites échelles par des méthodes d'intelligence artificielle.
L'objectif du stage est de développer une approche de correction fondée uniquement sur les données d’entrainement, sans utiliser le code de résolution durant l'apprentissage. La première étape consistera à construire une base d'apprentissage à partir de simulations de référence qu'on pourra enrichir par les méthodes d'augmentation, en exploitant les symétries de l'écoulement. Pour chaque état, on calculera l'erreur du solveur physique. Le problème se ramène ainsi à une régression supervisée. Cela ouvrira vers des architectures plus récentes, tels que les réseaux de neurones récurrents.
Contact
Heloise Meheut
13/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
4
Turbulence in planet forming disks
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Turbulence is playing a key role in planet forming disks. It modifies the dust drift toward the star, the grains relative velocity and therefore their possible growth, turbulence can also form dust clump that may gravitationally collapse and transport angular momentum through the disk. Understanding the properties of the turbulent state in protoplanetary disk is therefore a major effort for the understanding of planet formation.
However the complex physical context of planet formation render the study of turbulence in these disks highly non trivial. The Keplerian shear tend to remove energy from the turbulent state, whereas rotation is known to ellongate vertically the turbulent eddies. We have already studied particle dynamics in incompressible keplerian turbulence and identified new mecanisms participating to planetesimal formation.
The aim of this intership is to provide a first caracterisation of the properties of turbulence in a Keplerain flow when a weak compressibility is considered. The student will run and analyse the results of numerical simulations of forced turbulence in a Keplerian flow. The student will developp a physical understanding of process involved in the turbulent cascade of such astrophysical flows.
Contact
Heloise Meheut
13/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
5
Electrical networks dynamics via a quantum analogy
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of this project is to build on the analogy between the electrical grid linearized equations and a Schrödinger like equation, opening the way to use numerical techniques designed for quantum systems in the physics of powergrids.
As an application, we wish to study non-adiabaticity effects in the forcing of the network and control strategies.
Contact
Guillaume Roux
Laboratory : LPTMS - UMR 8626
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
6
Aggregation and fracture in cohesive granular rafts
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Contact
Suzie PROTIERE
Laboratory : Institut d'Alembert -
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
7
Condensats biomoléculaires entretenus par activités enzymatiques antagonistes
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Stage sur la dynamique des condensats biomoléculaires : Ce projet explore les organites sans membrane (condensats), clés dans des fonctions cellulaires comme le métabolisme ou la réponse aux stimuli, et impliqués dans des pathologies. Leur formation, décrite comme une séparation de phases hors équilibre, présente des comportements physiques contre-intuitifs. En utilisant des peptides courts et de l’ARN polyuridine, il est possible de reconstituer in vitro des condensats proches des corps intracellulaires natifs, avec une régulation dynamique via la phosphorylation (kinase/phosphatase). Le stage consistera à étudier leur dynamique en exploitant un dispositif fluidique imprimé en 3D couplé à un microscope confocal, et à interpréter les données via des simulations numériques de séparation de phase active, révélant ainsi leurs propriétés liquides dans des conditions proches du cytoplasme.
Contact
Guillaume Tresset
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
8
Décrypter l’assemblage du virus de l’hépatite B par l’apprentissage automatique
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Stage en modélisation physique et IA pour décrypter l’assemblage du virus de l’hépatite B : Ce stage vise à élucider comment des antiviraux perturbent l’auto-assemblage du VHB, un virus touchant 300 millions de personnes. Intégré à un consortium international, vous exploiterez des données de diffusion des rayons X (synchrotron SOLEIL) pour analyser la structure nanométrique du virus. Vos missions : construire une base de données de particules via un code Monte Carlo, entraîner un algorithme (régression ou réseau de neurones récursifs) pour reconstruire des morphologies à partir d’un modèle Fokker-Planck, et tester ce modèle sur des données récentes afin d’interpréter les mécanismes régulés par les antiviraux. Profil recherché : appétence pour la modélisation physique, maîtrise de Python, et curiosité pour les applications biomédicales de l’IA.
Contact
Guillaume Tresset
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
9
Stochastic resetting of velocities in Heavy Ball minimisation methods
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship aims at computing analytically the rate of convergence of the Heavy Ball method for quadratic and convex functions in the presence of stochastic resetting and possibly stochastic gradients. This analysis will show whether an optimal resetting rate may be chosen with minimal to no prior knowledge of the minimized function F. Lastly the dynamics of the Heavy Ball method with stochastic resetting will be characterised for functions F with rugged landscapes inspired by the potential energy of dense and disordered systems.
Contact
Yann-Edwin Keta
11/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
10
Precision laser spectroscopy of ThO molecules for testing fundamental symmetries
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Measurements of electric dipole moment (EDM) of fundamental particles place the most stringent constrains on time-reversal violating new physics beyond Standard Model. Precision spectroscopy on cold 232ThO neutral molecules provides one of the best bounds on electron electric dipole moment. In addition, 227,229ThO neutral molecules provides excellent opportunity to search for nuclear Schiff moment. In this project, the student will be developing the laser and optics system for performing precision spectroscopy measurement on cold ThO molecules. The project will also involve development of the vacuum beamline and cryogenic system necessary to produce the ThO molecules.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
11
Centrifuge decelerator of radioactive molecules & atoms for fundamental symmetry tests
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Precision metrology on atoms and molecules benefits tremendously when the particles are prepared in the ultracold regime. This enables control and detection of atoms or molecules at the single-quantum-state level. In this project, we are developing a unique method to decelerate radioactive atoms and molecules to a standstill by centrifugal force. A spinning magnetic guide will be used to guide neutral atomic/molecular species from the periphery to the center of the rotating frame, and an electromagnetic trap will be used to collect the decelerated particles after they exit the centrifuge decelerator. This work will open the avenue to precision spectroscopy of superheavy species like Radium or Thorium containing molecules, as well as light species like Tritium atoms.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
12
Integrate AI-control with a laser platform for quantum sensing experiment
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum metrology has become increasingly precise in probing fundamental laws of physics, especially with the recent experimental breakthroughs that transform atoms and molecules into quantum sensors. However, for decades it has remained a formidable challenge to protect such quantum sensors against environmental noise, system drift, and imperfections in the experimental control. In this project, we aim to integrate physics-informed learning and reinforcement learning into a closed-loop and autonomous control of a laser platform, which will be used in our quantum metrology experiment.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
13
Charge Exchange Reactions with the Nuclear Shell Model
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The equation of state (EoS) of dense matter governs the structure, composition, and stability of neutron stars. Among the least understood terms of the nuclear EoS is the isovector dependence of the symmetry energy. Charge exchange reactions, which occur when a proton collides with a target nucleus, gets absorbed, and emits a neutron, are important for constraining this dependence. Within a recently developed framework, such reactions can be directly computed from microscopic many-body predictions, treating both structure and reactions on equal footing.
In this project, the student will analyze isotopic chains of both Mg and Ca. They will generate, using the microscopic shell models, all relevant spectroscopic amplitudes up to a few MeV above the proton threshold. This includes all compound, compound-minus-neutron, and compound-minus-proton amplitudes. They will extend the formalism, improving the single-particle description of the resonant parameters to proton states. They will combine the single-particle and many-body contributions within the microscopic S-matrix framework to extract cross sections and compare with experiment when available, as well as make predictions where no data exists. The latter can act as a motivation for future experiments.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
14
Surrogate models for linear response in finite nuclei
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The collective excitation of nuclear systems close to their ground-state is very well described with the linear response theory, which is a well-established method in physics and chemistry. In particular, the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) provides a powerful microscopic framework by building excitations on top of the mean-field vacuum; however, its high computational cost limits model calibration and uncertainty quantification studies. We have explored two complementary QRPA surrogate models and applied them to study response functions of finite nuclei. One is a reduced-order model that exploits the underlying QRPA structure, while the other utilizes the recently developed parametric matrix model algorithm to construct a map between the system's Hamiltonian and observables. Both emulators can achieve 0.1\%--1\% accuracy while offering a six to seven orders of magnitude speedup compared to state-of-the-art QRPA solvers. The QRPA emulators are well-positioned to enable Bayesian calibration and large-scale studies of computationally expensive physics models describing the properties of many-body systems.
The internship consists in learning this new technic and in applying it to the understanding of the isoscalar giant monopole resonance.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
15
Heavy Ion Collisions from nuclear physics to astrophysics
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
We are a group specializing in the dense nuclear matter theorized to compose neutron stars and created in laboratories by colliding two heavy nuclei. The project aims to understand how pressure builds under these extreme conditions, with densities beyond those found in atomic nuclei, by providing a theoretical description of data from both terrestrial experiments and various astronomical observations.
To that end, light nuclear fragments are important constituents of dense matter that require refined modeling. Potentially formed at the late stages of heavy-ion reactions or found in the crusts of neutron stars, they impact our ability to infer the correct behaviour of the pressure.
By treating clustering in a heavy-ion collision, you will have the opportunity to advance the field by applying expertise in theoretical physics, data-driven modeling, software engineering and scientific computing, while collaborating with the research communities at Subatech, France, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, USA.
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
16
Active MetaMachines
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When humans learned to weave, they created an early form of mechanical metamaterial: a repeating arrangement of threads whose architecture shapes how the fabric deforms. What if the elementary units could themselves generate motion?
This idea motivates active metamachines: assemblies in which each building block is a miniature machine. Through interactions with their neighbours, these units can coordinate their dynamics, opening a route to structures that deform or move coherently without programming every individual component. Our recent experiments have demonstrated how thousands of microscopic rotary motors spontaneously develop coherent collective dynamics in planar arrays.
This experimental project will build on these results to create autonomous metamachines whose units are arranged and coupled in three dimensions. Combining 3D nanoprinting with techniques for powering colloidal matter, we will fabricate networks of interacting microscopic machines and investigate their collective dynamics. We aim to understand how their architecture controls synchronization, and whether local interactions can generate coordinated deformation or locomotion of the whole structure.
The work will combine 3D printing and microfludiic experiments with statistical data analysis to connect the motion of individual units to the dynamics of the assembly. Depending on your interests and skills, it can also include theoretical modelling and numerical simulations.
Contact
Denis Bartolo
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
17
Fish Schools as Active-Matter droplets
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When we watch a school of fish from above, we do not see thousands of individual trajectories or a complex network of interactions. We see a cohesive body whose boundary continuously ripples and deforms. These dynamics raise a simple question: could the fluctuating shapes of animal groups reveal the laws governing their collective motion?
This project aims to turn the shape fluctuations of wild fish schools into a quantitative probe of collective dynamics. Combining aerial drone observations with statistical data analysis, we will investigate how boundary deformations emerge, propagate and decay. Recordings of different species in the Caribbean, the Atlantic and Indian oceans will allow us to test whether these fluctuations follow common physical laws across contrasting environments.
To explain these observations, we will combine simulations of interacting fish with hydrodynamic theory. In particular, we will investigate whether milling schools, in which fish circulate around a common centre, can be described as droplets of active fluids. We will then test whether the parameters governing collective motion can be inferred from boundary fluctuations alone, without tracking every fish.
Your internship will focus on a specific part of this program, with the possibility of continuing into a PhD. Depending on your interests and skills, your work can combine data analysis, numerical simulations and theoretical modelling, with opportunities to contribute to field observations.
Contact
Denis Bartolo
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
18
Crowds as Active Matter
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Watch a dense crowd from a balcony and you see a single body: an active material that deforms and flows as thousands of people move together. Our field measurements in Pamplona, Spain, have revealed spontaneous collective oscillations involving hundreds of people [1]. Combining these observations with theory, we have explained how such oscillations emerge. We now want to understand how this material responds when it is pushed.
How does a local push travel through a crowd? Under what conditions can it trigger a crowd surge? When does the crowd recover, and when does it fracture, leaving lasting breaks in its network of neighbours? Answering these questions requires connecting the crowd’s structure and motion to its mechanical response.
The project will combine quantitative analysis of existing data with new field measurements at the San Fermín festival in Pamplona. Planned measurements will track both the dynamics of the crowds and of their. boundaries. Through a combination fo data lysis and modelling, we aim to identify the continuum laws governing how dense crowds transmit disturbances and fracture.
Depending on your interests and skills, your PhD internship will focus on quantitative data analysis, theoretical modelling or numerical simulations, with opportunities to contribute to field observations.
[1] Emergence of collective oscillations in massive human crowds
F. Gu, B. Guiselin, N. Bain, I. Zuriguel, and D. Bartolo, Nature 638 112 (2025)
Contact
Denis Bartolo
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
19
Statistical physics of life-like chemical systems
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
How can life-like properties emerge from simple physico-chemical processes? We have shown that, in a chemical reaction network with many stable states, diffusion and noise cause these states to spread, diversify and compete for space. They can therefore undergo evolution by natural selection and adapt to changing environments. The internship will use statistical physics to explore whether this mechanism can give rise to other hallmarks of life, such as computation, cell-like organization or morphogenesis.
Contact
Olivier Rivoire
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
20
Multiscale computational investigation of PAR-seeded condensates in DNA damage response
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
We propose in this M2 project to setup a multiscale simulation methodology to obtain a molecular understanding of the formation and properties of PAR-triggered condensates. The project will focus on the interaction between PAR and the FUS protein. Starting from coarse grain simulations of PAR-FUS condensates, our goal will be to setup and validate a protocol for all-atom MD simulations of these systems that will allow us to reveal the molecular level structure of these condensates and illuminate the factors modulating their properties. We will pay specific attention to 1) the choice of refined force fields (including benchmark of machine-learning potentials) to characterize PAR-FUS interactions in dilute solutions; 2) the setup of an adequate enhanced strategy techniques to sample such disordered systems ; 3) validation against experimental data obtained by our collaborators.
Contact
Elise Duboué-Dijon
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
21
Information flow and polymer physics of gene activity
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project tackles the fundamental challenge of bridging the diverse temporal and spatial scales of biological development. From the nanoscale molecular interactions that occur in seconds to the formation of millimeter-to-meter-scale tissues over days, nature's complexity is staggering. This project seeks to unveil how information flows from molecular transcription factors to orchestrate tissue formation. This project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining experimental techniques (quantitative microscopy) with theoretical modeling (polymer and statistical physics). It aims to decode the mechanisms governing the interplay between cellular regulation and tissue development. This research has broad implications for biophysics, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.
Contact
Thomas Gregor
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
22
Effect of viscoelasticity on mucus plug formation in the pulmonary airways.
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The respiratory system relies on mucus to trap and clear inhaled impurities, but diseases like cystic fibrosis or COPD can disrupt its rheological properties, leading to mucus plug formation and airway obstruction. In cylindrical airways, this process is driven by the Rayleigh-Plateau instability, where liquid bulges grow and coalesce, potentially damaging epithelial cells due to elevated wall shear stress. Numerical studies highlight the role of viscoelasticity in post-coalescence instability, introducing a secondary stress peak. This internship will experimentally investigate plug formation using artificial mucus in a cylindrical glass channel, employing high-speed imaging to correlate plug morphology with wall stress, aiming to understand its impact on epithelial cell damage.
Contact
Charlotte De Blois
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
23
Exploring the physics of correlated metallic kagome networks
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Strong electronic correlations give rise to exotic forms of electronic orderings, such as high temperature superconductivity or colossal magnetoresistance. In recent years, the question arose of how they could also influence topological properties, where exotic fermions, such as Dirac or Weyl fermions have been discovered. We propose the study of systems containing kagome planes of transition metals (Fe, Co, Rh…), which intrinsically bring together strong correlations, for example associated with magnetic correlations, and topologically non-trivial band structures. We propose to synthesize and characterize in the laboratory compounds from these families and apply to them various perturbations (doping, strain…) to modify their properties. We will then perform angle resolved photoemission experiments to study its electronic band structure and check for the presence of topological and/or correlated properties.
Contact
Véronique Brouet
02/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
24
Perturbative QCD & Quarkonia: radiative corrections
Domaines
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
See for internship proposal attached PDF.
Contact
Melih OZCELIK
01/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
25
Aerosol Production During the Breakup of Soap Films
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this internship project is to characterize the influence of geometry on bubble rupture dynamics and the distribution of ejected droplets. The work will focus in particular on characterizing ejection mechanisms.
Contact
Emmanuelle Rio
Laboratory : Laboratoire de Physique des Solides -
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
01/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
26
Mechanochemical cell-state transitions during embryonic organoids morphogenesis
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Embryonic organoids are self-organizing stem-cell systems that reproduce key features of early development, including symmetry breaking, differentiation, collective cell motion and tissue elongation, and can progressively generate structures resembling early organ-like domains. Their morphogenesis results from a strong coupling between cell fate and mechanics: stem cells continuously integrate biochemical and physical information from their local microenvironment and, in response, choose whether to remain undifferentiated or differentiate toward distinct cell types. These fate decisions in turn modify cell adhesion, contractility, motility and tissue organization.
The aim of this internship is to bridge several physical scales: from single-cell properties and cell-cell interactions, to collective dynamics and a continuum description of the tissue. We will combine quantitative live imaging, image and data analysis, mechanical perturbations and biophysical modelling to understand how local mechanical properties, cell-state decisions and interactions between neighbouring cells generate non-trivial tissue-scale behaviours such as flows, spreading, polarization and elongation. The objective is to identify the physical mechanisms that connect cell-scale decisions to the global morphogenesis of embryonic organoids.
Contact
Sham Tlili
Laboratory : Marseille Developmental Biology Institute - UMR 7288
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
27
Active-matter physics of human placental morphogenesis: coupling cell-state transitions, collective migration and tissue mechanics
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Placental development is a remarkable morphogenetic process in which fetal trophoblast cells build a functional organ inside the maternal uterus through collective migration, differentiation and invasion. It emerges from a dynamic coupling between fetal and maternal tissues, yet its quantitative biophysics remains comparatively unexplored.
At its core lies a three-state problem: trophoblast progenitors can remain proliferative cytotrophoblasts (CTB), differentiate into multinucleated secretory syncytiotrophoblasts (STB), or become migratory, invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). We will ask how this fate choice is controlled not only by the external environment, but also by the microenvironment generated by the trophoblast tissue itself: does the local fraction and spatial organization of CTB, STB and EVT bias the fate of neighbouring cells?
We will then place trophoblast organoids in controlled microengineered environments where tissue expansion is mechanically more or less permissive, from free-edge collective migration to 3D gel invasion, where resistance to motion and confinement generate increasing mechanical stresses and pressure. Quantitative live imaging in 2D and 3D will map cell identity, trajectories, flows, density and rearrangements, allowing us to test how tissue composition, neighbour interactions and mechanical resistance jointly control differentiation, migration and invasion.
Contact
Sham Tlili
Laboratory : Marseille Developmental Biology Institute - UMR 7288
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
28
Erosion by dissolution: hydrodynamics and pattern formation
Domaines
Soft matter
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Erosion by dissolution plays a significant role in area covered by a soluble mineral like in Karst regions and is the cause of the formation of remarkable patterns (limestone pavements, scallops, dissolution channels, dissolution pinnacles, limestone forests…) with characteristic length scales. We propose in this internship, by the mean of controlled laboratory experiments, to study the morphogenesis of dissolution patterns. The soluble media and the hydrodynamic flows will be tuned to downscale the characteristic size and time of the involved processes from geological values to “laboratory” values. Thanks to quantitative measurements of the flow and of the topography of eroded surfaces, we will identify the driving elementary physical mechanisms and thus develop mathematical models and numerical simulations, with the aim to explain complex geological systems and to predict the long term evolution of landscapes.
In this internship, the student will develop in the group, one or several model experiments, reproducing dissolution erosion phenomena. To decrease the timescales, fast dissolving materials like salt and plaster will be used. Hydrodynamic properties of the flows will be characterized and the 3D shape evolution of eroded surfaces will be recorded.
Contact
Michael Berhanu
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
29
Molecular membrane fabrication for quantum technologies
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The central objective of this internship is to establish a reproducible route for fabricating europium
molecular membranes and, crucially, to determine whether their exceptional optical properties are
preserved after exfoliation and transfer. The student will optimize the mechanical exfoliation
conditions to increase the yield of thin, large-area flakes; develop deterministic dry-transfer protocols
onto photonic substrates such as SiC, SiO2/Si and glass; characterize membrane thickness,
morphology and crystalline quality using optical interference microscopy, atomic force microscopy
and Raman spectroscopy; and investigate their luminescence and optical homogeneous linewidths at
cryogenic temperatures using spectral hole burning. Comparison with bulk crystals will allow the
influence of exfoliation, reduced thickness and substrate coupling on the optical coherence of the
molecular material to be established.
Contact
Diana SERRANO
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
30
Self-organized patterning in mammalian stem-cell aggregates
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project aims to uncover the biophysical principles that enable mammalian embryonic stem cells to self-organize into three-dimensional structures resembling developing embryos. How do cells acquire their identities and positional information, and how does precise and reproducible spatial organization emerge from their collective behavior? Combining quantitative microscopy, image analysis, mathematical modeling, and machine learning, the project will investigate the emergence of positional and correlative information during stem-cell differentiation and the flow of information through genetic networks. By linking theory and experiments, we aim to identify general principles of developmental self-organization and compare information processing across different biological systems, including mammalian stem-cell aggregates and Drosophila embryos.
Contact
Thomas Gregor
24/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
31
Looking for potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio and other tests of fundamental physics via precision measurements with molecules
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship will focus on measuring mid-infrared molecular transitions of methanol (CH3OH), ammonia (NH3), and other molecules known for their enhanced sensitivity to changes in µ. The work will involve achieving subDoppler spectroscopic resolution to reach target laboratory frequency accuracies of ~100 Hz needed for comparisons with astronomical observations. This activity is part of the ANR Ultiµos project, a collaborative effort which seeks to refine current constraints on the possible variation of µ which involves leading research institutions, including Laboratoire Kastler Brossel (LKB, L. Hilico) and MONARIS (C. Janssen) at Sorbonne Université. The three partners of the Ultiµos consortium will collaborate to conduct measurements in different spectral windows, to identify transitions as targets for future Earth/space comparison campaigns, which could further tighten constraints on
variations of µ. Other collaborators, such as Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Onsala Space Observatory, will provide theoretical and observational/astronomical support to complement the experimental efforts.
Contact
Raphaël Hahn
23/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
32
Swimming cells under light
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Photosynthetic micro-organisms contribute for half of dioxygen production, consume carbon dioxide, and are promising regarding biofuel production. Our lab aims to develop a quantitative approach describing the energetic state of these micro-organisms exploring their environment, a crucial aspect to better understand their motility behaviour. To tackle this problem, we use the motile micro-algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model unicellular organism, per-forming photosynthesis (light-to-chemical energy conversion) and phototaxis (cell reorientation along the light direction). Two projects are available.
Contact
Antoine Allard
22/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
33
Effective surface tension in miscible fluid flows
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When two miscible liquids meet, transient composition gradients across their boundary generate an effective interfacial tension. This gives rise to complex interfacial flow dynamics governed by tightly coupled mass and momentum transport: a fundamental problem with broad implications in microfluidics, active mixing, and soft matter physics. In this project, the student will investigate these interfacial flows through a combination of precision experiments and physical modelling. You will design and prototype custom millifluidic channels (using3D printing and microfabrication, no prior knowledge about it required) and perform micro-PIV measurements on a state-of-the-art inverted fluorescence microscope to map local velocity fields at the interface. Depending on the candidates background, the experimental work can be complemented by analytical scaling laws and calculations or numerical simulations.
Contact
Théo Lenavetier
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
34
Understanding Confined Glass Transition using Levitodynamics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
According to Anderson, the most profound and interesting problem in condensed matter physics is the glass transition. Indeed, glassy materials are ubiquitous in nature, and discussions of the glass transition involve many areas of physics. Despite intense interest in the dynamic slowing down that accompanies glass formation, a complete microscopic theory does not yet exist. Recently, the supposed existence of a length scale ξ for cooperative rearrangement has generated considerable interest in an alternative approach: the study of confined glasses. The correlation length scales emerging in these systems appear to be much larger than molecular sizes, which intrigues the community. We propose to address the problem of confined glass transition on a silica nanoparticle isolated from its environment using optical trapping in vacuum.
The proposed method involves significantly modifying/improving an experimental system [1,2,3] whose basis has already been developed at LOMA for other fields of application. The originality of our new device is that it will enable independent determination of the size, refractive indices (real and imaginary) and temperature of a glass former nanoparticle optically trapped at a wavelength of 1064 nm [4,5]. The addition of an extra CO2 laser will enable us to finely control the temperature of the nanoparticle whose position is resolved in 3D using ultra fast interferometric detection [1,5].
Contact
Yacine AMAROUCHENE
21/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
35
Toward the origin of ionic memory
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Biology processes information with ions flowing through nanochannels. Artificial nanofluidic devices made from 2D materials such as graphene now show ionic memory, which recent optical observations attribute to voltage-induced deformation of the channels. The physics behind this deformation remains poorly understood. In this internship, the student will fabricate model devices, submerged 2D flakes on substrates, and measure how the electrostatic pressure competes with interlayer adhesion, using coupled optical and electrokinetic measurements. Tuning the substrate roughness will then allow control of adhesion. The goal is a quantitative model identifying the key parameters for designing ionic memories.
Contact
Theo Emmerich
17/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
36
Acousto-optic interaction for non-linear integrated mid-infrared photonics
Domaines
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this internship is to develop and characterize nonlinear acousto-optic devices operating in the mid-infrared (wavelength of 3-8µm), leveraging broadband transparency and piezoelectricity of III-V semiconductor heterostructures. These devices will perform phase modulation, but also potentially on-chip optical routing, a pre-requisite for magnetic field-free optical isolation.
The internship will be mostly experimental, involving the use and development of two existing setups. The first one is a mid-IR integrated photonic bench allowing to characterize the operation of the devices (see above, right). The second one is a heterodyne interferometer, that allows to image the SAW-related vibration (amplitude and phase) of the sample surface to characterize the acoustic properties of the devices (see above, left).
Contact
Mathieu Jeannin
17/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
37
Transverse spreading of 2D localized microwaves in the presence of absorption
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Various mechanisms underlie metal-insulator transitions in condensed matter. One of these mechanisms is Anderson localization, which is caused by quantum interference induced by disorder. As a consequence, the Drude diffusion of an electron through the sample has to be corrected, and when the interferences become large enough, conduction may cease, leading to an insulating phase. Because the origin of this phenomenon lies in interference, it has been suggested 40 years ago by Anderson himself that it should be easily observed using "classical" waves as light or sound. A signature of localization lies in the transmission transverse profile: in the diffusion regime, a Gaussian beam spreads in time whereas in the localization regime it saturates. This transverse profile beam spreading should be independent of transmission.
The intern will perform an experimental test of the independence of the claim that the transverse profile spreading in the presence of Anderson localization does not depend on absorption.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
38
Critical scaling of the bandgap appearance in 2D disordered photonic materials
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Historically, photonic crystals and the concept of photonic bandgap were introduced in the seminal works of Yablonovitch and John in the 1980s. Even if natural examples exists (for instance in the blue iridescent wings of the Morpho butterfly), the first experimental realizations were done in the microwave regime by drilling holes in epoxy resin, and over the last 15 years, significant progresses in the micro and nano fabrication have been achieved enabling the availability of 3D materials with gaps or pseudo-gaps in the near-infrared. Nevertheless, despite a considerable amount of work reporting the measurement of photonic band gaps in different regimes (optical, infrared or microwave), an explanation of when to expect or not to expect a band gap is still lacking. Furthermore, even when a bandgap does exist, it is unclear exactly at which frequency it will occur and how wide it will be.
Using bandgap computation to compute the bandgap frequency and width fluctuations in two-dimensional hyperuniform dielectric materials, we propose to explore the idea of a possible continuous phase transition in the appearance of the bandgap using finite size scaling.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
39
Fabrication and magneto-optical characterization of a gadolinium doped silica optical fiber
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Light transport is in general reciprocal, and therefore the statement "if I see you, you see me" is in general true. The magneto optical Faraday effect is one way to break reciprocity, and it is used in optical isolators for instance. In our group, we are interested in more fundamental questions raised by the presence or not of reciprocity and its consequences on multiple scattering, and we work in particular with optical fibers as the propagation medium. The Faraday effect, and thus reciprocity breaking, is proportional to the external applied magnetic field and to the length of the Faraday active medium. The proportionality constant—called the Verdet constant—is for most materials quite low, meaning that reciprocity can only be substantially broken over very large distances for the magnetic fields achievable in the lab. We would therefore like to fabricate an optical fiber with a large Verdet constant.
Silica optical fibers doped with a small concentration of Gadolinium seem to be good candidates, as the Verdet constant of Gd-doped fibers was reported to be 2 orders of magnitude larger than standard telecom optical fibers, with reasonably low losses. For this work, we propose to fabricate Gd-doped optical fibers, and then characterize then both optically and magneto-optically.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
40
Brownian motion in complex environments
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Contact
Thomas Salez
09/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :