Research Engineer in the Synthesis and Characterization of Hard Carbons for Sodium-Ion Batteries (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will join the Biosourced Materials team at the Institut Jean Lamour in Épinal as a Research Engineer. They will work under the supervision of Vanessa Fierro (CNRS Research Director) and Jimena Castro Gutiérrez (CNRS Research Engineer) within the European DISTINCTION project, funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel. The project aims to develop a European value chain for battery-grade hard carbons produced from wood-tar- and coal-tar-derived precursors. These materials will be used as anodes for sodium-ion batteries. At IJL, the successful candidate will contribute to precursor preparation, optimization of thermal treatments and carbon characterization before electrochemical evaluation by the consortium partners.

Activity

The successful candidate will prepare and condition precursors derived from wood tar, coal tar and their mixtures. They will carry out the stabilization, crosslinking and carbonization treatments required to produce hard carbons and will study how operating parameters affect material yield and properties. Precursors and carbons will be characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, gas physisorption, density measurements, compositional analysis and surface chemistry, using IJL facilities. The successful candidate will establish relationships between composition, processing conditions, structure and porosity. They will ensure experimental reproducibility and traceability, prepare sample batches for project partners, and contribute to data analysis, consortium meetings and project deliverables.

Your Profil

Skills

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in chemistry, materials science or sustainable processes. Initial hands-on research experience in the preparation of carbonaceous, porous or adsorbent materials is expected. Practical experience with several characterization techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and gas physisorption, will be particularly valued. Experience with thermal treatments under controlled atmospheres is an asset. The position requires experimental rigor, compliance with safety rules, autonomy, analytical skills, reliable data traceability and the ability to work within an international consortium. A good command of English is essential. Knowledge of French is appreciated but not mandatory.

Your Work Environment

The Institute Jean Lamour (IJL) is a joint research unit of CNRS and Université de Lorraine.
Focused on materials and processes science and engineering, it covers: materials, metallurgy, plasmas, surfaces, nanomaterials and electronics.
By 2026, IJL has 258 permanent staff (33 researchers, 133 teacher-researchers, 92 IT-BIATSS) and 389 non-permanent staff (146 doctoral students, 43 post-doctoral students / contractual researchers and more than 200 trainees), from some seventy different nationalities.
Partnerships exist with 150 companies and our research groups collaborate with more than 30 countries throughout the world.
See https://ijl.univ-lorraine.fr/, and in particular https://ijl.univ-lorraine.fr/en/research-groups/bio-sourced-materials-group . The work concerning this announcement will be done in the IJL laboratories in Epinal.
Its exceptional instrumental platforms are spread over 4 sites ; the main one is located on Artem campus in Nancy.

Constraints and risks

Handling of chemical precursors and carbon powders, and use of high-temperature furnaces and gases under controlled atmospheres. Strict compliance with safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment are required. Appropriate training will be provided.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2.496,98 € gross monthly

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