Institut d’Electronique de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie – France
Job Description
Organization: French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Faculty/Department/Division: Institut d’Électronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie (IEMN), UMR CNRS 8520
Location: Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
Position: Researcher – Development of Non-Conventional Computing (Reservoir Computing) in Coupled Double-Drum Nanoelectromechanical Resonator Networks
Project Overview
The IEMN research team is developing energy-efficient non-conventional computing architectures for future artificial intelligence hardware. The project addresses the increasing energy consumption associated with information and communication technologies and explores alternatives to conventional CMOS-based computing architectures.
The team has developed a unique nanoelectromechanical resonator (NEMS) consisting of a silicon nitride drum capacitively coupled to an aluminium resonator drum, known as a double-drum resonator. This device provides frequency-comb sensing and computing functionalities within a single element.
Previous work has demonstrated reservoir computing using an optomechanical microwave measurement system and the fabrication of coupled double-drum resonator networks. A simple reservoir computing function and artificial neural network training have already been demonstrated using a single nanomechanical device.
The main objective of this postdoctoral project, supported by the IMITECH project, is to develop a reservoir computing function based on a network comprising two or more coupled double-drum NEMS resonators. The project will investigate the additional nonlinear complexity arising from coupled resonator networks and aims to contribute to new non-conventional computing architectures for future AI hardware.
Key Responsibilities
- Experimentally characterise different coupled silicon nitride nanoelectromechanical oscillators.
- Implement reservoir computing functions using FPGA programming.
- Develop multiphysics models through numerical simulations and analytical calculations.
- Analyse experimental and simulation data using programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.
- Investigate nonlinear dynamics in coupled NEMS resonator networks.
- Work with high-frequency measurement and characterization systems.
- Contribute to the supervision and monitoring of doctoral researchers within the team.
- Prepare research reports and scientific publications.
- Present research results at scientific conferences.
- Communicate research findings with project collaborators.
- Work independently while collaborating closely with the wider research team.
Required Qualifications
- PhD, or expected PhD, in a relevant field.
- Background in engineering or fundamental research related to nonlinear dynamics, optomechanics or nanomechanics.
- Relevant doctoral expertise in areas such as nanomechanics, nanoelectromechanics, multiphysics modelling, optomechanics or high-frequency devices.
- Programming experience in Python or MATLAB.
- Basic knowledge of analogue and digital circuits.
- Experience with high-frequency characterisation techniques.
- Familiarity with equipment such as lock-in amplifiers, oscilloscopes or FPGAs.
- Good written and spoken English.
- Ability to work effectively within a research team while also working independently when required.
- Motivation to learn and broaden technical and scientific knowledge.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with nanoelectromechanical systems and nanomechanics.
- Experience in nonlinear dynamics.
- Experience with optomechanical systems.
- Experience with multiphysics numerical or analytical modelling.
- Experience with FPGA-based computing or reservoir computing.
- Experience with high-frequency electronics and device characterization.
- Knowledge of French is an advantage but is not mandatory.
Employment Details
The position is offered as a 13-month fixed-term full-time contract.
Starting Date: 1 December 2026
The research will be conducted at IEMN in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, near Lille, France.
The recruited postdoctoral researcher will receive training and technical support from permanent CNRS researchers at IEMN.
The position involves high-frequency measurements, with appropriate on-site training provided for the associated risks.
Salary & Benefits
- Gross monthly salary for a beginning researcher: €3,071.50–€3,501.51.
- 44 days of annual leave and RTT.
- 75% coverage of eligible transport costs.
- Sustainable mobility allowance of up to €300.
- Access to research platforms for reservoir computing and high-frequency NEMS characterization.
- Access to numerical simulation and multiphysics modelling environments.
- Technical training and support from IEMN researchers.
Application Documents
Applications should be submitted through the CNRS employment portal. The supplied vacancy information does not specify a detailed list of mandatory application documents.
English Language Requirement
Good command of English, both written and spoken, is required. French is an advantage but is not mandatory.
Supervisor / Contact
The supplied vacancy information does not identify a named supervisor or contact person.
Application Deadline
9 October 2026 at 23:59.
Starting Date
1 December 2026.
Reference
UMR8520-FRELEF-200
