Missions

The selected candidate will primarily conduct multifunctional mechanical/electrical characterizations of nanocomposite films (Cu₂O nanowires embedded in a CuCrO₂ matrix). He/She will also participate in the preparation of these nanocomposites. He/She will be in charge of the synthesis of the nanowires and their assembly into networks (by soft chemistry), while the synthesis of the matrix (CVD deposition) will mainly be carried out by a PhD student already recruited. Characterizations will take place at the SIMaP lab, and the synthesis steps at the LMGP lab.

Activities

This position is part of an ANR-funded project (AAPG2023 “Nanocomposite,” led by J.-L. Deschanvres at LMGP).
• Training in materials synthesis : The candidate will receive training on the synthesis of Cu₂O/CuCrO₂ nanocomposites. Cu₂O nanowire networks are produced by soft chemistry (Fehling reaction), and the CuCrO₂ matrix is obtained by MOCVD deposition. A PhD student at LMGP is currently developing and optimizing the operating conditions to control nanowire geometry, network density and connectivity, and coverage. The recruited candidate will work alongside the PhD student, mainly on the fabrication of the nanowire networks. A solid understanding of this synthesis will be important for analyzing multifunctional characterization results. This training period will last about 3–6 months, with complementary synthesis campaigns throughout the project.
• Core of the position: The main focus will be coupled electrical/mechanical characterization of the nanocomposites. A device developed at SIMaP allows in-situ measurement of the electrical response of samples under mechanical strain. The operational methodology for these coupled measurements still needs to be developed and optimized for nanocomposites deposited on flexible substrates (Kapton). Furthermore, this device can be integrated into a scanning electron microscope (SEM), enabling visualization of microstructural evolution under mechanical stress. Here again, methodology development and optimization will be required.
• Additional characterizations: Depending on project progress, complementary electrical characterizations at the local scale (AFM) may be explored.
• Microstructural characterizations: SEM, AFM, XRD, and others will also be performed as complementary analyses.
Synthesis steps will take place at LMGP and characterization at SIMaP. The approximate time distribution is 25% at LMGP and 75% at SIMaP.

The recruited candidate will actively participate in disseminating results: writing articles, presenting at seminars, and attending conferences.

Skills

• A PhD in Chemistry or Materials Physics.
• Scientific and technical skills: thin-film materials synthesis and/or functional and mechanical characterization.
• Strong synthesis and communication skills (oral and written): presenting results at team meetings, writing reports, drafting scientific papers, and giving presentations at conferences.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Proficiency in scientific English (spoken and written).

Work Context

Laboratories:
This project is funded by the ANR and brings together three Grenoble-based laboratories: LMGP, SIMaP, and CROMA.
• LMGP (Laboratory of Materials and Physical Engineering): develops functional materials for applications in microelectronics, energy, and healthcare. With about 50 permanent staff (researchers, faculty, engineers, technicians, administrative personnel) and around 60 non-permanent students and researchers annually, LMGP provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
• SIMaP (Science and Engineering of Materials and Processes): a joint research unit affiliated with Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP, and CNRS. It focuses on relationships between materials, processes, and properties. SIMaP hosts around 200 staff: 60 academics/CNRS researchers, 15 emeritus and collaborators, 42 engineers/technicians/administrative staff, 80 PhD and postdoctoral researchers, plus 30 annual interns. Among its areas of expertise, SIMaP has significant capabilities in instrumental development for materials characterization.
• CROMA (Centre de Radiofréquences, Optique et Micro- et Nanoélectronique des Alpes): a joint research unit (CNRS / Grenoble INP / UGA / Université Savoie Mont Blanc) of 110 staff, heavily involved in research on micro- and nanoelectronics, microphotonics, microsystems, microwaves, and opto-microwaves.
For physico-chemical characterization, LMGP and SIMaP also rely on the CMTC (Consortium Technologique des Moyens Communs) platform.
The recruited candidate will work at SIMaP for characterization and at LMGP for nanocomposite synthesis.

Collaborators:
Direct scientific collaborators on the project are Fabien Volpi at SIMaP and Jean-Luc Deschanvres/Céline Ternon at LMGP. The candidate will report directly to Fabien Volpi (SIMaP).

Other information:
The position falls under a sector governed by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and therefore requires prior authorization from the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).
Partial reimbursement of transportation costs (bike, public transport) will be provided.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

The work will be carried out on two Grenoble sites: LMGP in Grenoble (Minatec area near Grenoble train station) and SIMaP in Saint-Martin-d'Hères (Grenoble university campus). Occasional travel to international scientific conferences should be expected.