Researcher (M/F): Development of an electrolyzer to convert CO2 into ethylene

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A national research center in France seeks a motivated researcher specializing in industrial CO2 electrolysis for ethylene production. The role involves developing and optimizing electrochemical systems, coordinating projects with industry partners, and conducting technical evaluations to ensure feasibility for industrial applications. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field and have experience in electrochemical technologies. Join us to tackle key challenges in sustainable synthesis and carbon capture technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in CO2 electrolysis and electrochemical systems.
• Ability to manage collaborative projects effectively.

Responsabilités

• Lead the scaling up of CO₂ electrolysis technology for industrial implementation.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for MEAs.
• Coordinate projects with academic and industrial partners.

Connaissances

Research in electrochemical systems

Project management

Technical evaluations

Collaboration with partners

Formation

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Outils

Electrochemical systems design software

Data analysis tools

Description du poste

Offer Description

We are looking for a highly motivated and competent researcher (M/F) in the field of industrial CO2 electrolysis for ethylene production. The successful candidate will be involved in the design, development and optimization of advanced electrochemical systems for the sustainable synthesis of ethylene from carbon dioxide. The aim of the position will be to bring this technology to industrial development by overcoming the following major challenges: scaling up the system and achieving stability in excess of 100h.

The main mission is to lead the scaling up of CO₂ electrolysis technology and adapt it for industrial implementation. This includes optimizing the manufacturing process for membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), improving reproducibility and reliability, and enhancing the overall technology readiness level (TRL). The position also involves developing and validating procedures to ensure long-term stable operation and compatibility with industry standards. At the same time, the position involves designing and testing next‑generation catalytic materials and MEA architectures aimed at improving the activity, selectivity, and durability of the system. This effort supports the company's continuous innovation strategy and helps maintain its technological competitiveness.

Rapidly rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere have prompted the development of carbon capture, utilization and storageCCUS) technologies. In this context, the conversion of CO2 into chemical fuels makes it possible to close the carbon cycle. Since multi‑carbon (C2+) products have a higher market value and are more energy‑intensive, intensive efforts have been devoted to improving reaction selectivity for the production of C2 and C2+ molecules. Modest energy efficiency and selectivity towards the production of multi‑carbon molecules at industrially relevant current densities, however, limit the development of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) technology.
Our team has recently developed an efficiency strategy to control the selectivity of CO2RR. This strategy has been successfully tested in a continuous‑flow electrolyzer.

The position covers a wide range of technical and coordination activities, including:

• Developing and optimizing MEAs for electrochemical CO₂ reduction in a gap‑free configuration, including their design, fabrication, performance improvement, and process scaling to industrial standards of quality and reproducibility.
• Coordinating collaborative projects with academic and industrial partners, managing technical requests, material production and delivery, performance evaluation, and data communication.
• Performing technical‑economic evaluations of the technology based on experimental progress and scaling results to guide development priorities and validate industrial feasibility.
• Coordinate technical reports and supplier relations, ensuring effective communication with partner institutions, suppliers, and organizations that support the company.
• Contribute to strategic R&D planning, including the definition of next‑generation catalysts and MEA architectures to improve performance, stability, and scalability.