Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) - Oxygen-Ion Conducting Ceramic Membranes for Solar Thermochemical Reactors

Job Description

Missions

The research will be conducted within the framework of an ANR-funded project dedicated to the production of solar fuels (H₂ and syngas) through the splitting of H₂O and CO₂ using a solar thermochemical process based on redox cycles of metal oxides.

The main objective of the project is to develop a redox process combining the thermal reduction of various metal oxides with their subsequent re-oxidation by either steam or CO₂, enabling the production of pure hydrogen or syngas (H₂/CO), respectively. Since this process relies exclusively on concentrated solar heat as the energy source, without the need for electricity, it represents a promising alternative to conventional water electrolysis technologies.
The integration of dense oxygen-permselective ceramic membranes is expected to enable the continuous extraction of oxygen generated during the thermochemical reactions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar reactor through the development of a novel solar membrane reactor concept.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and shaping of new mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) materials based on doped ceria and perovskite-type oxides. These developments will be carried out in close collaboration with the project partners, who may provide supports and powder batches for the preparation of material and membrane series exhibiting specific compositions, microstructures, and architectures.
Controlled sintering treatments will be employed to consolidate and densify the selected materials for the fabrication of reactive membranes with high oxygen permeability and selectivity.
The synthesized materials and membranes will be characterized using the wide range of physicochemical techniques available at the European Membrane Institute (IEM), including XRD, XPS, SEM-EDS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, and TGA-DTA analyses. Permeation tests will be performed to assess membrane gas-tightness and oxygen permeability as a function of temperature.

The thermochemical reactivity of the developed materials and membranes will be evaluated at the PROMES laboratory (Odeillo). The performance and stability results obtained under solar reactor operating conditions will be used to optimize membrane compositions, microstructures, and architectures.

Activity

The successful candidate will contribute to the different stages of the project and will be involved in the following activities:
- Conduct an in-depth literature review on oxide-based redox cycling systems for hydrogen and syngas production.
- Synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the reactivity of composite and multiphase materials.
- Prepare suspensions, process and shape materials, perform densification through sintering, and optimize membrane architectures and interfaces.
- Assess membrane performance in terms of gas-tightness and oxygen permeability.
- Characterize membranes after thermochemical testing carried out by the PROMES laboratory in order to evaluate their stability and optimize their composition and architecture.
- Develop oxygen transport models and establish correlations between membrane structure, transport properties, and thermochemical reactivity.
- Process, analyze, and interpret experimental data; prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and conference presentations.
- Participate in project monitoring activities, progress meetings, interactions with project partners, and the planning and coordination of research activities.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate must hold a PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with proven experience in the field of functional ceramic materials. A strong background in the synthesis, processing, sintering, and characterization of ion-conducting materials is highly desirable. Experience in ceramic membranes, ion transport phenomena, and advanced physicochemical characterization techniques would be considered a valuable asset.

The successful candidate should be highly motivated and capable of working both independently and within a multidisciplinary research team. The candidate must demonstrate scientific curiosity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to critically analyze and interpret experimental results. Effective collaboration and open communication with project partners and team members will be essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, together with the ability to present scientific results clearly and concisely.

Expected Competencies
- Materials chemistry, with a particular focus on ceramic oxides and mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) materials.
- Processing, shaping, and sintering of ceramic powders.
- Formulation and casting of ceramic suspensions and slurries.
- Advanced materials characterization techniques (XRD, XPS, Raman, FTIR, TGA/DSC, SEM, TEM, etc.).
- Membrane permeation measurements and analysis of transport mechanisms.
- Experience in transport modelling and simulation would be an asset.
- Strong motivation to tackle challenging scientific and technological problems.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of French would be an asset.

Your Work Environment

The research will be conducted at the European Membrane Institute (IEM, CNRS UMR 5635, University of Montpellier, ENSCM) within the framework of an ANR-funded project coordinated by the PROMES laboratory (Odeillo) and involving Marion Technologies. The host team has recognized expertise in the development of ceramic, hybrid, and composite membranes for fluid separation and treatment applications. The successful candidate will benefit from a state-of-the-art research environment, with access to advanced facilities for materials synthesis, processing, physicochemical and electrochemical characterization, as well as high-temperature gas separation and permeation testing.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Starting from €3072 gross per month, depending on experience.

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