Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F): Development of Novel XPS Strategies for Investigating the Interfacial Reactivity of Metallic Materials

Job Description

Missions

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) has become an essential tool for investigating the interfacial chemistry of metallic materials and understanding the mechanisms governing degradation, catalysis, and corrosion. However, a major limitation remains: exposure of samples to ambient air between their operational state and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) analysis can induce surface changes, including oxidation and carbon contamination, thereby modifying the interfacial chemistry. These biases can lead to misinterpretation of experimental data and reduce the relevance of the conclusions for industrial applications.
This postdoctoral project proposes to use the load-lock chambers of XPS instruments as controlled reaction environments. This innovative approach will enable the investigation of metallic surface reactivity not only by XPS but also by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) through a correlative analysis workflow (CISA workflow). The originality of the project lies in its ability to monitor, within the same region of interest (co-localization), the kinetics of oxidation and surface contamination in real time, thereby providing unprecedented insight into surface reactivity.
The project is conducted in close collaboration with TotalEnergies, where the outcomes are expected to directly improve post-mortem analytical workflows for materials used in catalysis, tribology, and corrosion studies. The methodology will be validated on the two complementary surface analysis platforms of the CNRS (CEFS2, Versailles) and TotalEnergies (CRES, Solaize), ensuring both its robustness and its transferability to industrial applications.

Activity

• Develop experimental protocols to monitor the reactivity of metallic surfaces under controlled atmospheres using the load-lock chambers of XPS instruments.
• Prepare metallic surfaces by chemical treatments and/or ion beam processing to obtain well-defined reference surface states.
• Investigate the kinetics of re-oxidation and surface contamination following controlled exposure to ambient air.
• Perform chemical analyses by XPS, including spectral acquisition, chemical mapping, quantitative analysis, and chemical-state deconvolution.
• Correlate XPS results with complementary characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) using the CISA correlative workflow, Raman spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and ICP-OES.
• Quantitatively analyze experimental data to determine kinetic constants, reaction mechanisms, and surface electronic properties.
• Build a database describing the surface reactivity of a range of metallic materials (Cu, Ni, Al, Fe, stainless steels, etc.).
• Compare results obtained on the CEFS2 and CRES surface analysis platforms to validate the robustness and industrial transferability of the developed protocols.
• Benchmark sample handling and transfer solutions, and evaluate alternative chemical surface treatment protocols.
• Participate in scientific exchanges with TotalEnergies and contribute to the preparation of technical reports, scientific publications, and conference presentations.

Your Profil

Skills

The successful candidate must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. The candidate should have a strong background in surface science and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), together with hands-on experience in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments.
Experience with complementary characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Raman spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), ICP-OES, or atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as proficiency in XPS data analysis software and experience working in collaborative academic and industrial research environments, will be considered as a strong advantage.
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate scientific independence, excellent experimental rigor, strong written communication skills in both French and English, and the ability to successfully manage and deliver a research project.

Your Work Environment

The project will be primarily based at the Institut Lavoisier de Versailles (UMR 8180 CNRS – UVSQ – Université Paris-Saclay), a research laboratory specializing in materials chemistry and advanced spectroscopic techniques. The successful candidate will also undertake occasional visits to the TotalEnergies CRES Research Center in Solaize to conduct experimental campaigns, ensure consistency of the results obtained across the two surface analysis platforms, and validate the robustness and transferability of the developed methodology.

Constraints and risks

The position involves work under ultra-high vacuum (UHV), the handling of chemicals, and the operation of advanced scientific equipment requiring specific training and strict compliance with laboratory health and safety procedures.
The successful candidate will have access to the experimental facilities at both sites and will benefit from technical support provided by the teams at the Institut Lavoisier de Versailles (ILV) and TotalEnergies.
Given the industrial nature of the project, the successful candidate will be required to strictly adhere to the confidentiality obligations arising from the partnership agreement between TotalEnergies and the CNRS, particularly with regard to experimental data, research findings, and all project-related results.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€ 3,082 gross per month

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