PhD in Materials Physics and Chemistry (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 32 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

CNRS – Institut Lumière Matière in France invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) PhD candidate. The position is based at ILM with collaboration across LEPMI Grenoble and large facilities like SOLEIL and ESRF.

The candidate will study densification and materials characterization using high-pressure techniques. The project, Multiscale Operando Studies of Densification in All-Solid-State Batteries, aims to understand densification mechanisms of thiophosphate electrolytes and

Qualifications

• Background in physics, materials science, or materials engineering.
• Strong interest in experimental research and materials characterization.

Responsabilités

• Carry out experimental work on densification and characterization of materials.
• Engage in in situ and operando studies across multiple facilities.
• Collaborate with ILM, LEPMI, and large-scale facilities.

Connaissances

Physics

Materials science

High-pressure techniques

Formation

Master's in Physics or Materials Science

Outils

Raman spectroscopy

X-ray diffraction

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut Lumière Matière Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 20 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 2 Nov 2026 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 PhD candidate will be primarily based at the Institut Lumière Matière (ILM) and will work in a highly collaborative environment involving ILM, LEPMI in Grenoble, and the SOLEIL and ESRF synchrotrons.
At ILM, the candidate will use high-pressure presses for the densification and sintering of materials, as well as various characterization techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and diffraction. Research visits to partner large-scale facilities, in particular the PSICHE high-pressure beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron, will provide opportunities to perform multi-technique in situ and operando experiments, including tomography.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a background in physics, materials science, or materials engineering. A strong interest in experimental research and materials characterization is expected. Previous experience with high-pressure techniques will be considered an advantage, although it is not mandatory.

Multiscale Operando Studies of Densification in All-Solid-State Batteries

All-solid-state batteries (SSBs) are a promising approach to increasing energy density and improving the safety of Li-ion batteries. Among solid electrolytes, thiophosphates show strong potential, but their performance is highly dependent on their densification and on the quality of the interfaces formed during processing.
This PhD project aims to understand, across multiple length scales, the densification mechanisms of thiophosphate solid electrolytes and composite electrodes, as well as the evolution of their microstructure, interfaces, and electrochemical properties under pressure and during cycling. Particular attention will be paid to the influence of porosity and microstructure on the penetration and propagation of metallic lithium.
Within the framework of the collaborative ANR-SoDense project, the work will combine experimental approaches carried out in laboratory facilities and at large-scale research infrastructures. In situ and operando structural and microstructural characterizations, performed across multiple length scales, will be used to establish relationships between processing and densification conditions, microstructure, and the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state batteries.
The overall objective is to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms limiting SSB performance and to the optimization of their processing routes, with a view toward their large-scale development and manufacturing.