PhD in analytical chemistry (M/F) – In situ/operando diagnosis using fibered vibrational spectr[...]

Nantes Université; Nantes; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An innovative research opportunity awaits at a leading university in Western France, focusing on the development of advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques for energy storage systems. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, particularly in the field of electrochemistry. You will engage with a multidisciplinary team, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to explore the intricacies of chemical processes in real-time. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to contribute to significant advancements in materials science, all while enjoying the vibrant culture and quality of life that Nantes has to offer.

Qualifications

• Master's in physics or related field required.
• Strong foundation in optical spectroscopy and fibre optics is essential.

Responsabilités

• Develop fibred vibrational spectroscopic measurements.
• Study energy storage and conversion systems under operando conditions.

Connaissances

Optical Spectroscopy

Fibre Optics

Electrochemistry

Experimental Data Analysis

Signal Processing

Formation

Master or Engineering Degree in Physics

Specialization in Spectroscopy

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Nantes Université Department IMN UMR-CNRS 6502 Research Field Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 31 May 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 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 analysis and interpretation of chemical or biological phenomena is relevant if the study is carried out in conditions as close as possible to real-life conditions, ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ for living organisms, ‘in situ’ and ‘operando’ for chemical processes or for materials included in devices in operation. Fibered spectroscopic measurements (vibrational spectroscopy) will be developed at IMN under in situ/operando conditions and applied to various energy storage and conversion systems. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind the functioning or degradation of materials, a speciality of IMN, will enable their design to be optimised to improve performance.

The development of characterisation methods enabling real-time monitoring of chemical or biological processes and materials in operation is the subject of intensive research (study of energy storage or conversion systems, catalytic systems in operation, (bio)sensors), the “stealthy” nature of these analyses leaving no trace (non-invasive or non-altering) being particularly sought-after. Vibrational spectroscopy is particularly interesting because of the richness of its chemical signature. However, the accessibility of the spectroscopic probe in complex systems (batteries, PAC fuel cells) or in difficult environments (closed reactor, high pressure & temperature, extreme pH) can limit the deployment of these vibrational techniques. Fiber optics can be used to design compact, flexible vibrational probes that are particularly well suited to in situ, operando and even in vivo (endoscopy) applications. Fiber-optic spectroscopy has developed very rapidly in recent years, particularly in the biomedical field, and the associated technical advances have opened up new fields of application, particularly in energy storage (measurements of temperature, refractive index variation, electrolyte composition dynamics and interface composition).

The aim of the thesis work is to develop fibred vibrational spectroscopic measurements under in situ/operando conditions and apply them to the study of the operation of various energy storage and conversion systems: Zn/MnO2 batteries, lithium batteries, PEM/AEM polymer membrane fuel cells (PAC). The electrochemical interfacial phenomena (solvation/de-solvation, formation of passivating layers, local pH variation) and the degradation of PAC polymer membranes limiting the performance of energy storage devices will be studied under operando conditions.

• Training: Master or engineering degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials for energy or applied optics. Specialisation in spectroscopy, optical instrumentation, electrochemistry or materials science would be highly appreciated.
• Technical skills: Solid grounding in optical spectroscopy / Knowledge of fibre optics / Understanding of energy storage processes / Experience in operando measurements (or strong motivation to train in these techniques) / Practical electrochemistry (cell assembly, cycling, electrodes).
• Personal qualities: Initiative, scientific autonomy, ability to propose and implement innovative experimental solutions / Strong taste for experimental work, handling instruments and developing measurement benches / Good experimental data analysis and signal processing skills / Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team (physicists, chemists, engineers)
• Additional skills: Good command of scientific English (written and spoken).

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

The thesis project, developed at the Nantes Jean ROUXEL Materials Institute (IMN) , will be supervised by I. LUCAS (ST2E team) and B. HUMBERT (PMN team). The PhD student will have access to all the instruments on the IMN's PLASSMAT platform, in particular to the various optical spectroscopies, as well as to equipment for assembling operando cells in a controlled atmosphere. Expertise in fibre development will be supplemented through external collaborations.

Nantes Université is a recognized institution and a major research center in Western France. With 42,000 students and 3,200 lecturers and researchers, Nantes Université seeks to meet today's major challenges. Located near the Atlantic coast and 2 hours from Paris by train, Nantes is a large city regularly ranked for its quality of life and well-known for its cultural scene.

PhD students in physics, chemistry and geosciences receive training in internationally recognized laboratories associated with the CNRS. They also benefit froma wage of €2 200 gross per month. Within the Graduate School 3MG , students are able to attend courses dedicated to research and innovation and take part in events and meetings in France or abroad to develop their professional network.

Selection process

Candidates will have to submit the following documents:

• Detailed and updated CV
• Transcripts of the grades and rankings of the Master’s degree or engineering degree (for semesters for which grades are available)
• Letter of appreciation from the direct supervisor of the Master’s research internship (mandatory for the 2nd year of the Master's degree, if applicable for the 1st year)

Pre-selected candidates will be contacted directly for an interview with a committee composed of at least the thesis director and a representative of the Graduate School.

1 QUAI DE TOURVILLE, BP 13522, 44035 NANTES CEDEX 01