PhD in chemistry (M/F) – Harnessing energy with renewable organic batteries

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 25 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Une opportunité de doctorat passionnante dans le cadre du projet HEROBAT vise à développer des batteries organiques à base de calcium. Le candidat sera impliqué dans la recherche innovante sur les matériaux durables, avec une formation extensive et un mentorat de la part d'experts reconnus à l'international. Ce programme aborde les besoins stratégiques dans le domaine des batteries durables, tout en garantissant un environnement académique de haut niveau.

Prestations

International mobility funding

Access to advanced technological platforms

Interdisciplinary training program

Qualifications

• PhD candidates should have skills in synthesizing hybrid materials.
• Experience in electrochemical characterization is a plus.
• Good level of English is required.

Responsabilités

• Develop organic cathodes for calcium-based batteries.
• Conduct experiments in electrochemistry and materials characterization.
• Participate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Connaissances

Synthesis of hybrid materials

Autonomy

Characterization techniques

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Formation

Master's degree or engineering degree

Outils

X-ray diffraction

IR spectroscopy

liquid-state NMR

Cyclic voltammetry

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Nantes Université/Université catholique de Louvain Department IMN UMR-CNRS 6502/Vlad Energy Group Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Chemistry » Physical chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 24 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 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 HEROBAT project aims to address the challenges of the energy transition by developing calcium-based organic batteries, a promising alternative to lithium-based systems, thanks to calcium’s abundance, safety, and redox potential. The project focuses on designing organic cathode materials that are renewable and have a low carbon footprint, a class of materials that is currently nonexistent for calcium-ion batteries.

This research relies on a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in organic chemistry, materials chemistry, solid-state electrochemistry, and the design of small cell prototypes. It is part of an international collaboration between Nantes Université (NU) and the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), under the co-supervision of Prof. Poizot and Vlad, both internationally recognized for their contributions to organic battery research.

The binational doctoral program spans four years, with two years spent at each institution. The selected candidate will benefit from rigorous scientific and professional supervision, along with a comprehensive training program including transversal skills (ethics, AI, innovation, etc.), international seminars, and active involvement in science communication. The selection process will adhere to European standards (HRS4R), ensuring transparency and fairness.

HEROBAT addresses a strategic need in the field of sustainable batteries: the development of efficient positive electrodes (cathodes) for calcium-based batteries, a safer, more abundant, and environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion batteries. To date, no viable cathode materials exist for calcium-ion systems. HEROBAT therefore aims to develop a new generation of renewable organic cathodes, synthesized following green chemistry principles and potentially using bio-based resources.

The project aligns with the priorities of the “Industry of the Future” roadmap of the I-site NExT (Nantes Excellence Trajectory) and contributes to the energy transition through innovation in low-carbon materials. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach combining organic materials synthesis, electrochemistry, materials science, and lab-scale pouch cell prototyping. HEROBAT also represents an international doctoral training initiative, involving mobility, joint supervision, and skills transfer.

Sustainability is embedded at every stage of HEROBAT: eco-conscious design, material recyclability, use of soft processes, and avoidance of toxic substances. The project aims to deliver durable batteries compatible with a circular economy. It also serves as a model of European scientific cooperation between Nantes Université and UCLouvain, with strong academic and industrial impact potential.

Applicant should possess the necessary skills in the synthesis of hybrid materials (organic/inorganic), along with an initial level of autonomy in standard characterization techniques (X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, liquid-state NMR) and in electrochemistry (cyclic voltammetry, analysis of electrochemical mechanisms). Academic achievements will be carefully reviewed, as well as peer recommendations. Knowledge of electrochemical characterization of batteries will be considered an asset. The candidate is also expected to demonstrate rigor, autonomy, curiosity, and perseverance, as well as strong interpersonal and writing skills, with a high level of motivation to commit to a four-year research project across two institutions.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

HEROBAT will benefit from a high-level scientific environment supported by two leading research institutes: the Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel (IMN/UMR 6502 - CNRS/NU) and the Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN), through the Vlad Energy Group at UCLouvain.

The doctoral researcher will have access to advanced technological platforms at both sites for organic synthesis, structural characterization of materials (PXRD, FTIR, Raman, ICP-OES, …), and electrochemical investigations (operando testing, redox mechanism analysis). Cell prototyping will be conducted in Nantes using in-house expertise in pouch cell assembly.

An interdisciplinary training program (ethics, innovation, AI, open science, access to the Graduate Programme «E-Mat» Winter School, etc.) will be available to the candidate. The project includes funding for international mobility, enabling research stays at both institutions. Lastly, the doctoral student will benefit from close supervision by two leading experts, experienced research teams, and frequent interaction with fellow researchers and PhD students involved in related projects.

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)

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