Research Engineer (M/F) in Modeling and Environmental Assessment of Power Modules

Job Description

Missions

Modeling and assessing the environmental impact of power modules. Power modules are specific, bulky, and highly integrated components that are used in the field of power electronics. It is widely used in the energy transition sector: electric mobility, renewable energy production (PV, wind…), heating and cooling (heat pumps and air conditioners), data center power supplies, UPS, etc. With the strong growth of electrical engineering, controlling the environmental impact of power electronics technology is important in order to limit the impact transfers (resource depletion, pollution, loss of biodiversity, etc.) associated with the decarbonization of our societies.

The research engineer/post-doc will be responsible for developing parametric life cycle inventory models for power modules with the aim of conducting generic life cycle assessments (LCA) for a specific application or for a particular voltage conversion range (these aspects to be decided at a later date).

Activity

The first major task is to develop a comprehensive, parameterized inventory model of power modules throughout their entire life cycle to support decision-making in the design process and, if possible, from the research phase in the field of power modules. To carry out this work, an in-depth state-of-the-art review will be conducted, supplemented by several studies already carried out internally on this topic (G2Elab + CEA LETI). An original part of the work will involve developing a parameterized inventory model covering the entire life cycle for bio-based materials, which will be considered for development and use in the project. Interactions with partner laboratories is expected. Knowledge of green chemistry would be appreciated. Scaling up from laboratory data may be implemented. The level of aggregation and format of the relevant inventory model data will need to be defined, ensuring that it is accurate, shareable, configurable, and that the confidentiality of certain data is maintained.

Particular attention is expected to be paid to the choice of parameters for inventory models throughout the life cycle. This part of the mission aims to produce models that will feed life cycle analyses. This work may be the subject of one or more scientific publications.

The second major objective will be to use parameterized inventory models to produce LCAs and support environmental impact assessments and decision-making.

The working environment envisaged here is the Python language and the Brightway toolbox. The open source tool should facilitate access to LCA for consortium members. A particular effort will be required to support the use of the LCA tool by non-experts in LCA.

The final major task will be to use of the tool to conduct comparative analyses and support the assessment of environmental impacts based on a theoretical design plan, technological and material choices, and conditions of use and end of life. This work may be the subject of one or more publications.

In addition, the research engineer will be required to interact with consortium members to collect data, share practices, and present results. In particular, he or she will interact with the doctoral students and permanents staff of laboratories involved in the project to help them with the work done and continue using it after his or her departure. This work will serve as the basis for applying an eco-design approach.

He or she will contribute to the drafting of scientific publications in English and reports related to the project. He or she will be required to present his or her work at follow-up meetings and conferences.

Your Profil

Skills

Required skills
Required:
1- Knowledge of electrical engineering, electronics, power electronics, packaging, processes, and materials (one or more of these areas).
2- Knowledge of LCA implementation, inventory development, and parameterized modeling
3- Practical experience with LCA tools, ideally open source tools such as Open LCA and/or Brightway. Knowledge and skill in open source LCA tools such as Open LCA and/or Brightway and ideally, mastery of these tools.
4- Fluency in English
5- Motivation for environmental issues

Appreciated skills:
1- Expertise in power packaging
2- Knowledge of polymer materials chemistry, especially bio-based materials.
3- Knowledge of Python programming

Soft skills:
Independent, organized, rigorous, team player, good communication and writing skills

Your Work Environment

The G2elab Grenoble Electrical Engineering Laboratory is a joint research unit (UMR 5269) of Grenoble INP - UGA, Grenoble Alpes University and CNRS, in the field of Electrical Engineering Research.
It covers a scientific spectrum ranging from materials and components to the design and control of electrical energy systems. Its activities can be summed up in the following key words: electrical energy, materials, innovative processes and systems, modelling and design.
With more than a hundred permanent staff, around a hundred doctoral students and 70 other members of staff such as masters, post-docs and visiting professors, G2Elab is a major national and international player in these fields, at the heart of the energy efficiency of components and systems.
The research engineer is also supervised by a researcher team from CEA LETI and strong interaction is expected. The employee may also work punctually at CEA LETI, located nearby G2Elab.
CEA-LETI (Laboratory of Electronics and Information Technology) is a CEA technological research institute that develops new technologies, particularly in the fields of micro and nanotechnologies. LETI has a strong expertise in clean room chip manufacturing and chip interconnections. CEA-LETI (Laboratory of Electronics and Information Technology) is a CEA technological research institute that develops new technologies, particularly in the fields of micro and nanotechnologies. LETI has a strong expertise in clean room chip manufacturing and chip interconnections. It will develop LCI (Life Cycle Inventories) of these parts. The G2ELab research engineer will work in conjunction with LETI to integrate these data into its model of the environmental impacts of the entire module.

Constraints and risks

NA

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 2,490 and 3,400

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions