M/F Ph.D. Student in COMPLEX STRUCTURES BY SPUTTERING: INNOVATIVE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The new approach of delivering electrical power to plasma, particularly through high-power pulsed application in a reactive environment (R-HiPIMS), considerably expands the range of phenomena to be explored by introducing a temporal dimension. This separates the gas ionization, sputtering, and sputtered material ionization phases. The structural and functional properties of the resulting films are enhanced by this process.
The main objectives of the project are to design a new generation of nitride coatings using a dual approach, and to employ machine learning techniques to predict and develop coatings exhibiting the desired tribological properties. The aim is to establish relationships between R-HiPIMS process parameters, plasma characteristics, microstructure, mechanical/tribological properties, as well as other relevant physical properties, in order to provide experimental data for machine learning.
The challenges to be addressed in this project are also current scientific bottlenecks:

Obtaining a single-phase nanostructured coating, Controlling the microstructure through understanding of the involved mechanisms, Coating metallic substrates of various compositions and geometries.
Keywords: Coatings, microstructure, nitrides, green tribology, machine learning, R-HiPIMS.

Your Work Environment

Created in 1995, the Bordeaux Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry (ICMCB) focuses its research on Solid State Chemistry, Materials Science and Chemistry and Process: designing, preparing, shaping and characterizing materials in order to discover, control and optimize specific functions. The ICMCB carries out fundamental research on model materials and/or materials with potential applications.
The ICMCB is a UMR with an average of 280 agents (permanent and non-permanent), with 3 tutelles, hosted by the CNRS and in total ZRR. The position is located in a sector covered by the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PSTP), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that the arrival of the agent be authorized by the competent authority of MESR.

Constraints and risks

The candidate should have a background in physical chemistry, with strong knowledge in materials characterization. Experience in reactive sputter deposition of coatings would be an asset.
Strong analytical and synthesis skills, as well as excellent communication abilities, will be necessary to present results to various partners and to interact with the supervisory team. The research will take place within the framework of an industrial partnership.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € 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