M/F Post-doc researcher in solid state electrochemistry for the high temperature decomposition [...]

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to develop a high temperature electrochemical decomposition process for ammonia (NH3). The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Chemical Physics, strong knowledge of solid state electrochemistry, and experience with analytical techniques such as gas-phase chromatography. The role entails conducting experiments, optimizing procedures, and collaborating with international partners. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of German is a plus.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Physics or electrochemistry required.
• Knowledge in solid state electrochemistry is essential.
• Experience with gas-phase chromatography and mass spectrometry is crucial.

Responsabilités

• Develop a test setup for high temperature electrochemical ammonia cracking.
• Conduct experiments and optimize procedures on ceramic cells.
• Interpret experimental data and present findings.
• Collaborate with project partners and write scientific articles.

Connaissances

Solid state electrochemistry

Proton conducting cells

Heterogeneous catalysis

Gas-phase chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Critical analysis of experimental data

Very good command of English

Health and safety rules

Formation

PhD in Chemical Physics

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers Research Field Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 30 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by the EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

At the CNRS, in IC2MP (Poitiers Institute of Chemistry : Materials and Natural Resources), the SAMCat team (From the Active Site to the Catalytic Material) is recruiting a post-doctoral researcher in order to work on the high temperature electrochemical decomposition of NH3. Ammonia (NH3) is a molecule that can be considered as an important energetic vector for the hydrogen industry, its decomposition reaction generating only N2 and H2. In this context, it is necessary to realize this CO2 free reaction by using an efficient and cost effective technology. The HADES project (ANR France-Germany) aims at developing efficient catalysts for the NH3 cracking reaction to N2 and H2 as well as an electrochemical conversion system using Proton Conducting Ceramic cells at high temperature. This technology will allow both the separation and compression of hydrogen. The proposed research subject consists in the study of elementary mechanisms for the NH3 cracking reaction in these systems by using various techniques such as electrochemistry, spectroscopy and catalysis.

The main activities will be:

• To develop an experimental test setup for the high temperature electrochemical ammonia cracking with the help of the engineering platform.
• To conduct the electrolysis experiments, chemical characterization (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry) as well as electrochemical characterization (polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, conductivity measurements…) on ceramic cells produced by the project partner's and optimizing the experimental procedures.
• To interpret the experimental data and to present them in reports and meetings.
• To detect troubleshooting issues and interact with technical platform for repairing and maintaining of experimental devices.
• To write/participate to the writing of scientific articles.

IC2MP is a joint unit of research from CNRS and University of Poitiers with 250 people including c.a. 100 researchers localized in the main campus of the University. The SAMCat team is specialised in the design and physico-chemical characterization of catalytic and electro-catalytic materials for environmental (pollution abatement from air/water) and energetic (bio-fuel, fuel cells, electrolysis,…) applications. The present work will be developed in the framework of the French – German “HADES” research project funded by ANR involving several partners. The post-doc will work under the supervision of the HADES project leader and will participate to the discussions with the project partners (meetings in France and in Germany).

The expected skills and knowledge are those of a PhD in Chemical Physics / electrochemistry and more precisely the following ones:

• Very good knowledge in solid state electrochemistry. Background in proton conducting cells and/or heterogeneous catalysis would be appreciated.
• Autonomous mastery of SOEC/SOFC reactors.
• Very good knowledge in physico-chemical analytical techniques, in particular gas-phase chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Very good ability for critical analysis of experimental data and for presentation of scientific results.
• Thorough knowledge of health and safety rules related to the field of intervention.
• Very good command of English (listening, writing and speaking). Knowledge in German would be appreciated.