Missions

Understanding and controlling water content in porous materials is crucial in various contexts (plants, soil, construction materials, membranes, electrodes, etc.). In many situations, water confined in these materials contains solutes, and salt in particular. Here, we aim at understanding how model nanomaterials containing salt wet and dewet (dry) when subject to humidity or temperature variations. Coupling between surface phenomena, entropic (colligative) effects, transport and nucleation (crystallization, cavitation, etc.) make this problem rich and poorly explored. This fundamental study is part of a larger project funded by the European Union aiming at designing new materials for energy harvesting using industrial humidity cycles from waste heat.

Activités

The postdoctoral researcher will be in charge of a series of experiments investigating wetting/drying of salt solutions in nanoporous materials or nanochannels, using optical techniques (image analysis, interferometry, etc.) and will participate in cleanroom fabrication. Involvement in additional experiments (ellipsometry, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction/tomography etc.) and modeling approaches is also possible. Implication into the European project (communication with consortium, help organizing meetings, report writing etc.) and participation in various international scientific events (conferences, workshops, etc.) are expected as well.

Compétences

. We are looking for a motivated candidate holding a PhD in experimental physics (or related discipline: physical chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering etc.), and who is able to run independent scientific investigations in a collaborative context. Specific knowledge in at least one of the following domains is required: micro/nano-fabrication, optical measurements (microscopy, image analysis, interferometry etc.), physics of liquids, physical chemistry of interfaces, solution chemistry, porous media. Skills in Python and in version control (git) will be considered favorably. Proficiency in English and oral scientific communication are required due to the international and collaborative aspects of the project.

Contexte de travail

The position is funded by a FET-Open project of the European Union involving an international, multi-disciplinary consortium. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Liquids and Interfaces team of the Light & Matter Institute (ILM). ILM is a joint unit between CNRS and Université Lyon 1, located on the campus of "La Doua" (Lyon, France). With ~300 collaborators including ~100 PhD students, ILM is a major player in research in Physics and Chemistry in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region, and is internationally recognized for the quality of its research. Fundamental research, replies to outstanding societal challenges and innovation are at the heart of the approach of this institute. The to-be-hired postdoc will interact with professors, researchers, engineers and students in the team working on strongly related projects. Regular interactions with other members of the consortium will also take place through project meetings and travel for short-term scientific stays.

Starting date is flexible, preferably early 2024. Latest end date is 30 June 2024.

Informations complémentaires

Please attach a CV, a cover letter, and contat information for at least 2 references for recommendations.