Missions

The photocatalysis team of ICPEES has an unique advanced photocatalytic analysis platform enabling precise control of various reaction parameters (temperature, flow rate, light intensity, etc.). This platform is designed to be versatile and is used for a wide range of gas- and liquid-phase photocatalytic reactions.
The main mission of the engineer will be the management, maintenance, and development of this platform, as well as its use for evaluating the performance of photocatalytic materials for solar fuel production applications (green hydrogen and CO₂ photoreduction). This includes testing materials developed by our team as well as those from external research groups in the context of collaborative projects. Depending on the progress of these core responsibilities, the engineer may also be involved in the synthesis and UV-visible spectroscopy analysis of photocatalytic materials, as well as in the development of the team's broader photocatalytic experimentation capabilities.

Activités

Management of the photo-catalysis platform:
- Equipment maintenance (consumables order, calibrations)
- Development and improvement of the system
- Establishment of standardized testing, calibration and analysis procedures

Analysis of photo-catalytic materials (mainly for water splitting reaction and CO2 photo-reduction)
- Definition of test conditions and protocols in collaboration with the researchers
- Measurements of photo-catalyst performances
- Data analysis, report writing and presentation of results.
- Design of new reactors

Compétences

General, theoretical or disciplinary knowledge:
- Recently obtained Master's degree or equivalent with specialty in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science.
- Knowledge of catalysis, chemical engineering, and materials science. Initial experience with chromatography techniques would be appreciated. Additional knowledge in optics and electrochemistry would be a plus.
- Proficiency with standard IT tools (Office or equivalent), Knowledge of Python programming and technical drawing would be an asset.
- Level of English, starting B2

Knowledge on the professional environment:
- Ability to work in a team on multidisciplinary projects.
- Capacity to work in accordance with established rules and procedures
- Flexibility and adaptability to work constraints (deadlines)

Operational know-how:
- Autonomy, Personal initiative, versatility, high organizational capacity.
- Ability to deliver results, analyze data, organize findings, and present them clearly
- Ability to write reports and procedures.

Contexte de travail

The engineer will work in the “Photocatalysis and Photoconversion” team of the Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Environment, Energy and Health (ICPEES). This team of 4 researcher and 10 PhD students is dedicated to the development of photoactive nanomaterials for the fields of Energy and Environment with photocatalytic depollution applications. He (she) will work under the supervision of T. Cottineau (scientific responsible of the platform) within the framework of the ANR OSCARE et PEPR projects aiming to the production of carbon-free hydrogen. In this context, the engineer will have to test the materials and the photo-catalytic system synthesized by the various members of the projects.

The candidate will access to all the characterization techniques available in the laboratory and benefit from the knowledge of experts in the fields of nanomaterials and photo-catalysis.

The selected candidate will be based at the CNRS Cronenbourg campus, which is easily accessible by public transportation. Occasional travel may be required for project progress meetings.

The candidate will benefit from several CNRS employee advantages, including access to an on-site cafeteria with subsidized rates, partiel reimbursement of public transportation costs.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

- Chemical Risk: Low / Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required when working in a chemistry laboratory (lab coat, safety goggles, gloves).
- Optical Risk: Low / Use of high-intensity light sources (no lasers). Protective eyewear must be worn during operation.