Summary
A fully funded 4-year experimental PhD opportunity in fluid mechanics and soft matter physics is available at the Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics (LMFA), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. The research project is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) at the University of Cambridge (UK) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl, UK).
Fully Funded 4-Year PhD: Droplet Redistribution by Rolling Wheels, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, France
Designation
PhD Researcher / PhD Candidate (CDI de mission)
Key Overview
| Key Details | Information |
| Position Type | Fully Funded 4-Year PhD Position |
| Host Institution | LMFA, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 |
| Industrial Sponsor | Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl, UK) |
| Partner Institution | University of Cambridge (DAMTP, UK) |
| Gross Salary | €2,300 / month |
| Work Commitment | Full-time (35 hours / week) |
| Start Date | October 2026 – January 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 16 August 2026 |
Research Area
- Experimental Fluid Mechanics
- Multiphase Flows
- Soft Matter Physics
Location
Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics (LMFA), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Academic Background: Strong degree/background in fluid mechanics, physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Research Drive: High motivation for experimental research and tackling interdisciplinary scientific problems.
- Technical Skills: Experience or strong interest in designing and developing experimental setups.
- Language Requirements: Good command of spoken and written English. (French fluency is not required).
Job Description
Core Objectives & Research Tasks
- Uncover the physical mechanisms behind the transfer and redistribution of liquid droplets by rolling wheels on contaminated surfaces.
- Investigate how liquid droplets deform, spread, break up, and redistribute under capillary effects, inertial forces, centrifugal effects, and interfacial instabilities.
- Utilize high-speed imaging, experimental fluid mechanics, scaling analysis, and physical modeling.
- Examine key phenomena including:
- Thin liquid film formation under wheel contact
- Dynamics and breakup of capillary bridges
- Droplet ejection mechanisms
- Liquid transport by rotating surfaces
Contract & Benefits
- Contract Type: Permanent mission contract (CDI de mission) for 4 years.
- Compensation & Benefits: Gross salary of €2,300/month, full health insurance, pension/disability coverage, paid leave, meal vouchers, and benefits under the SYNTEC collective agreement.
- Research Perks: Dedicated experimental budget to build a new large-scale setup, research exchange visits to the University of Cambridge, direct interactions with Dstl researchers, and prospective postdoctoral opportunities.
How to Apply
To apply, submit the following documents directly via email to Prof. Julien Landel at julien.landel@univ-lyon1.fr:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Academic Transcripts (covering the last 3 years)
Last Date for Apply
16 August 2026
(Note: Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis; early submission is strongly encouraged).
