Postdoctoral researcher in MXene materials for energy storage (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is seeking a First Stage Researcher for a project focused on the synthesis and characterization of MXenes. The role involves optimizing synthesis conditions and evaluating materials in electrochemical applications. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in synthesis and electrochemistry, along with strong English skills. The position offers a full-time contract with various benefits including campus catering and transportation support.

Prestations

Campus catering (subsidised rate)

Partial reimbursement of transportation costs

32 days of vacation

Teleworking options

Qualifications

• Experience in synthesizing MXenes and working with chemical vapor deposition.
• Proven background in electrochemistry and materials characterization.
• Good communication skills in English and technical writing.

Responsabilités

• Synthesize MXene using CVD and molten salts.
• Characterize materials physicochemically and test in supercapacitors.
• Study charging mechanisms with advanced techniques.

Connaissances

Experience in MXene synthesis

Knowledge of CVD technology

Experience in electrochemistry

Lab skills in materials characterization techniques

Proficiency in English (level B2)

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse Research Field Chemistry Physics Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 15 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 a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• Synthesis of MXene by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and molten salts
• Optimization of synthesis conditions followed by physicochemical characterization of the materials obtained
• Synthesis of MXene and hard carbon composites
• Preparation of electrodes and electrochemical testing in supercapacitors and batteries
• Study of charging mechanisms using ex-situ and operando techniques

Two-dimensional (2D) materials based on transition metal carbides and nitrides, also known as MXenes, show particular promise for electrochemical energy storage. Unfortunately, their synthesis is currently unsustainable because it requires a lot of energy and the use of toxic chemicals (e.g., HF). In this project, we propose to develop the synthesis of MXenes by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and by using molten salts. The work at IS2M will consist of optimizing the synthesis of MXene materials and their composites with hard carbon, their physicochemical characterization using various techniques, and the evaluation of their performance in supercapacitors and Na‑ion batteries. In-operando analysis techniques will be implemented to deepen our understanding of energy storage mechanisms. This approach will optimize device performance, particularly in terms of energy density, capacity, and lifespan.

The candidate (M/F) will join the Carbon and Hybrid Materials (CMH) division of the Mulhouse Institute of Materials Science (IS2M), under the supervision of Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu, Director of Research. The Mulhouse Institute of Materials Science (IS2M) is a joint CNRS–University research unit located in Haute-Alsace, France (UMR 7361). Research conducted at IS2M focuses on the development of innovative methods and processes for the synthesis, shaping, functionalisation, and bio‑functionalisation of materials, as well as the development of specific and/or customised characterization methods. The study of the mechanisms of interaction between a surface and its environment, as well as the establishment of property correlations at different scales, are carried out in close connection with numerous fields of application: energy, pollution control, sensors, catalysis, etc.

The institute has a wide range of high‑performance equipment, enhanced by eleven ISO 9001‑certified technical platforms, enabling in‑depth physicochemical characterization of material properties. The work will be carried out within the “Carbon and Hybrid Materials” (CMH) team. This team has recognised expertise in the manufacture of carbon materials with adjusted properties and their detailed characterization, as well as in their use as electrodes for supercapacitors and batteries. The team has a large experimental facility dedicated to the synthesis of materials (autoclaves, pyrolysis and CVD furnaces, microwave furnace, etc.) and also to their electrochemical characterization (glove box, battery cycler, potentiostat, DRX/Raman operando cells, etc.).

The work will mainly take place at IS2M, and stays at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Berlin, Germany are also planned in order to carry out additional analyses.

The candidate (M/F) will also benefit from campus catering (subsidised rate), partial reimbursement of transportation costs, a sustainable mobility package, a library, continuing education, 32 days of vacation, 12 days of RTT, 2 days of split leave, teleworking, and access to public transportation.

The position is in a sector subject to scientific and technical potential protection (PPST) and therefore, in accordance with regulations, requires your arrival to be authorised by the competent authority of the MESR.

• Experience in MXene synthesis
• Knowledge of CVD technology
• Experience in electrochemistry
• Lab skills in materials characterization techniques
• Proficiency in English (level B2) and good writing skills