New Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Architecture for Decarbonized Heavy-Duty Transport
This postdoctoral project aims to develop a novel PEM fuel cell architecture to decarbonize heavy-duty transport (trucks, maritime, rail, and aviation). Current PEMFCs require external humidification to maintain performance, as their polymer membrane needs near 100% humidity. Above 80°C, water management, and especially keeping high hydration level, becomes inefficient, limiting operating temperature and necessitating bulky cooling systems.
The CEA has patented an innovative architecture that doubles fluid inlets/outlets, enabling independent control of cell pairs (bicells). By reversing thermal gradients between the anode and cathode, this design optimizes internal water circulation, maximizing retention and reducing the need for external humidifiers. The goal is to validate this architecture through an instrumented bicell, operational within 1–2 years, combining modeling, experimental testing, and parameter optimization (flow rates, humidity, pressure, thermal gradients).
This project could lead to a new generation of high-temperature PEMFCs (>80°C) without humidifiers, simplifying integration into industrial applications. Results may yield publications and patents.
Coupled X-ray / neutron tomography to reveal fluid evaporation in porous materials made by additive manufacturing for heat pipe applications
Improving efficiency of electronic cooling systems is paramount in many industrial domains. This is why CEA is currently developing a new heat pipe technology, based on the integration of a porous network produced by additive manufacturing. This project is a collaborative work between two laboratories of CEA Grenoble, in which you will develop an experimental bench dedicated to multi-modal tomography using X-ray and neutron beams. The goal is to characterize vapor region formation in porous networks infiltrated by a fluid and in contact with a hot source. Such advanced characterization method will allow you to better understand the physical phenomena at play, and propose new porous designs so as to increase the thermal powder density that can be dissipated by the system. The postdoc will supervise all development regarding the test setup, lead experimental campaign(s) at beamlines such as those offered by the Institute Laue Langevin (or equivalent facilities abroad), and analyze the data.
Postdoc fellow in surface science
The food processing industry faces the major challenge of ensuring optimal surface hygiene while simultaneously improving process efficiency. The OREGANO project aims to create innovative metallic surfaces with a dual antimicrobial effect. This effect is achieved through the covalent grafting of arylbenzothiazole derivatives with biocidal properties, and through surface microstructuring that prevents the formation of bacterial biofilms. The project comprises several components: synthesis of new compounds, evaluation of their antimicrobial properties (using in vitro and in silico approaches) and cytotoxicity, grafting (chemically or electrochemically) onto surfaces, and inkjet printing technologies for microstucturation.
Cryo-CMOS electronics: Thermal effects and electrical performance in FDSOI MOSFETs down to very low temperature
The post-doctoral subject focuses on studying thermal effects and electrical performance in FDSOI MOSFET transistors down to very low temperature for cryogenic applications, such as quantum computers and space applications. The goal is to model and characterize STMicroelectronics' 28FDSOI technology down to 4K and below, concentrating on self-heating and its impacts on circuit performance. The work includes DC and RF measurements, studying the back bias effect, exploring thermal couplings, and associated modeling. The project also aims to integrate these models into a 4K-valid Process Design Kit (PDK) to optimize circuits operating at very low temperatures. This work is part of the IRT Qloop project, in collaboration with STMicroelectronics. The results will contribute to advancing Cryo-CMOS electronics and the development of high-performance quantum computers.
X-ray metrology and spectrometry for medical imaging
This 12-month postdoctoral position focuses on X-ray metrology and spectrometry for medical imaging. The context is the need for beam-quality traceability, since current standards (IEC 61267) do not cover the new filtration combinations (silver, gold, tin) used in spectral computed tomography (sCT), a technique involved in over 60 million CT exams annually in Europe. The position comprises two independent strands. The first (tasks 1-3) covers drafting methodological guides, qualifying LNHB's two spectrometry benches (CdTe and HPGe), establishing new reference radiation conditions, on-site clinical measurements, and participation in an inter-laboratory comparison. The second strand (tasks 4-5) concerns an instrumented dosimeter dedicated to radiological imaging, stemming from a thesis currently being finalized: pre-series fabrication, calibration, full metrological characterization, clinical validation in a hospital setting, and building a demonstrator.
Modélisation du comportement mécanique de matériaux hétérogènes
The objective of this postdoctoral position is to propose a suitable modeling methodology for the non-linear static and dynamic mechanical properties of multi-material assemblies (broadly defined). These assemblies may range from the microscopic scale (e.g., particle-filled polymers) and mesoscopic scale to the macroscopic scale, including parts produced via additive manufacturing, such as lattice structures. The modeling will be based on experimental results from static mechanical tests using in situ X-ray tomography, conducted during the postdoctoral appointment. Depending on the scale involved, these experiments will take place either within the laboratory (which is equipped with an in situ X-ray tomography testing machine) or—for the microscopic scale—via synchrotron campaigns to be organized by the candidate. Regarding dynamic behavior, the candidate will incorporate results from other internal studies on the macroscopic behavior of materials or parts obtained through Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) or vibration testing (using a shaker).
Robust and Reliable Sizing of Multi-Energy Systems at the Local Scale
The decarbonization of territorial or industrial energy systems requires multi-vector integration (electricity, heat, gas) and optimized management of flexibilities (storage, flexible demand). However, uncertainties in exogenous data and those due to modeling choices limit the confidence in the sizing obtained by classical approaches (e.g., deterministic Mixed Integer Linear Programming models).
The post-doctoral research aims to evaluate and improve the robustness, reliability, and precision of sizing and KPIs (cost, CO2 emissions) under these uncertainties. The post-doctoral work will combine:
- A comparative analysis of existing approaches (scenario analysis, rolling horizon, MPC) using quantitative metrics (inspired, for example, by meteorology: robustness, reliability, precision).
- The implementation of a case study to serve as a benchmark, building upon existing work and generating scenarios and results.
- The development of a sizing approach that reduces the impact of uncertainties, with validation on realistic case studies.
BRO-IA-GE: Multi-sensor instrumentation and hybrid modelling of ball milling processes
The Uranium Fuel Laboratory of the Institute for Research on Nuclear Systems for Low-Carbon Energy (IRESNE) at CEA Cadarache develops innovative tools to improve the understanding and control of nuclear fuel manufacturing processes. In the context of nuclear fuel cycle closure and the renewal of future industrial facilities, mastering powder processing operations has become a strategic challenge.
Ball milling is a key step in the production of UOX and MOX nuclear fuels, as it directly impacts powder homogeneity and particle size characteristics prior to pellet fabrication. Despite its industrial importance, the mechanisms of this process are still poorly understood due to the complexity of the fragmentation mechanisms and the interactions between particles with different properties.
This postdoctoral project aims to develop an in-depth understanding of milling processes through a combination of experimental instrumentation, signal processing, data analysis, and modelling. The successful candidate will rely on an instrumented experimental platform incorporating acoustic emission monitoring and high-speed imaging, as well as on an extensive experimental database currently being established using model materials such as alumina.
Particular attention will be devoted to multi-component powder systems in order to better understand the influence of powder properties on fragmentation, mixing, and homogenization mechanisms. The results will contribute to the development of predictive models and a digital twin of the milling process for real-time monitoring and process optimization.
The candidate will acquire expertise in advanced instrumentation, materials science, granular physics, artificial intelligence, and process modelling. These skills are highly transferable to many industrial sectors involving powders and granular materials, including energy, powder metallurgy, advanced ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing industries.
Optimization of an optical pyrometry measurement in a nuclear environment.
This topic focuses on the optimization of a contactless temperature measurement technique based on multispectral optical pyrometry for nuclear environments. The scientific objective is to improve the reliability of an instrumentation chain capable of measuring the temperature of a fuel cladding under extreme conditions, particularly during a loss-of-coolant accident. The method relies on collecting the infrared radiation emitted by the investigated surface and transporting it through optical fibers to a multispectral detection system. A key challenge is the simultaneous estimation of temperature and emissivity, two parameters that are strongly coupled in pyrometry. The work also aims to improve optical calibration, channel-by-channel transmission stability, and signal acquisition speed. Particular attention is given to the design of micro-sensors and optical collection heads compatible with pressurized, irradiating, and thermally constrained environments. The project includes the study of lower temperature measurement limits in order to extend the sensor’s operating range. Tests in a pressurized chamber will be carried out to validate sealing, optical transmission, and metrological robustness. From a scientific perspective, this postdoctoral project combines optics, radiometry, signal processing, metrology, and instrumentation for harsh environments. Ultimately, this technology could be transferred to other nuclear experiments requiring fast, accurate, and non-intrusive temperature measurements.
Improvement of High-Temperature Electrolyzer Interconnect Performance
High-Temperature Electrolyzers (HTEs) are currently being developed at the CEA for the production of “green” hydrogen. One of the components, the stainless-steel interconnect, is affected by two phenomena that progressively reduce cell efficiency: surface oxidation and chromium oxide volatilization. For these reasons, protective coatings are being developed at the CEA and with industrial partners. The performance of these samples (oxidation behavior, electrical resistance, etc.) must be evaluated both in contact with air, in contact with an H2/H2O mixture, and under dual-atmosphere conditions with the two environments on either side of the sample.
The proposed postdoctoral position includes several missions presented below:
• Development of an experimental setup to evaluate the oxidation behavior and area-specific resistance of coated and uncoated samples under all environmental conditions.
• Investigation of the observed phenomena using the many characterization techniques available at the CEA (SEM, Raman microscopy, TEM, GD-OES, XPS, XRD, etc.).
• Proposal of the degradation mechanisms involved and identification of the most relevant coating for industrial applications.