PhD position : Experimental Simulation and Modeling of Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in Salt Caverns Hydrogen Storage in Salt Caverns (SHine Project) - M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Thesis subject: Experimental Simulation and Modeling of Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in Salt Caverns Hydrogen Storage in Salt Caverns.

The PhD student will be responsible for the experimental simulation of conditions within a salt cavern used for hydrogen (H2) storage using a high-pressure reactor. The system under study will be triphasic (brine, solid, gas) with target operating conditions of 35°C and 100 bar.
The primary objective is to evaluate the effects of H2 storage in the presence of an indigenous microbial community (recovered from the field) as well as model microbial strains. The PhD candidate will be mainly in charge of the high-pressure process aspects. This work involves operating complex equipment in the presence of specific gases (H2, CO2, CH4, H2S). Throughout the experiments (which may run continuously for 4 to 6 months), he/she will perform regular sampling of the liquid and gas phases to analyze their respective compositions using ion chromatography and gas chromatography.
The candidate will work in close collaboration with microbiologists for the biological aspects of the project. It is imperative that the candidate integrates strict aseptic protocols into their methodologies to avoid external contamination, while mastering the delicate steps of pressurization and depressurization. Finally, the candidate is expected to model material balances, thermodynamic equilibria, and reaction kinetics within this complex multiphasic system under dynamic conditions. This work may utilize PhreeqC scripts or Fortran/Python code.

Activities:
• Assembly, disassembly, operation, and maintenance of a deformable high-pressure reactor (piston).
• Method development, operation, and maintenance of analytical equipment: ion chromatography (for highly concentrated brines) and gas chromatography (equipped with TCD and PFPD detectors for low H2S levels).
• Secure sampling and depressurization of gas and liquid samples under high pressure, under sterile conditions.
• Processing, interpretation, and modeling based on collected physico-chemical data.
• Drafting progress reports and scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting results during progress meetings with industrial and academic partners.
• Strong interaction and coordination with the microbiology team involved in the SEnGA joint laboratory.
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Expected Skills:
• A Master's degree in Process Engineering or an equivalent Engineering degree.
• Prior experience (internship) in handling autoclaves, high-pressure reactors, or in analytical chemistry (GC, IC) is highly desirable.
• A strong interest in multidisciplinary research (process engineering, geochemistry, microbiology) and an open-minded approach.
• Rigorous attention to detail and thoroughness are required, given the risks inherent to high-pressure work and the absolute necessity of maintaining biological sample sterility.
• Excellent ability to work as part of a team within a multi-partner collaborative project.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, with proficiency in technical English.

Your Work Environment

The global energy transition necessitates the decarbonization of energy supply, positioning hydrogen (H2) as a crucial vector for heavy industry and managing the intermittency of renewable energy. In this framework, Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in salt caverns appears to be a very promising solution due to the impermeability of rock salt (halite).
However, the efficiency of such storage can be compromised by geochemical and, notably, microbial interactions (H2 consumption, production of toxic gases like H2S, corrosion risks). Recent studies establish a dichotomy in risk assessment: abiotic studies show that the pure interaction between hydrogen, brine, and salt rock does not generate significant spontaneous redox reactions in the absence of life. Conversely, microbiological exploration reveals that these environments, far from being sterile, harbor complex communities capable of affecting storage. This is the core challenge of the SHine project.
The successful candidate will be based at the Laboratory of Thermal Engineering, Energy and Processes (LaTEP) at the University of Pau. He/she will interact daily with academic and industrial partners within the framework of the SEnGA joint laboratory.

Constraints and risks

• Work under high pressure (up to 100 bar).
• Handling of specialized, flammable, or toxic gases (N2, CO2, CH4, H2, H2S).
• Handling of hypersaline brines (up to 330 g/L salinity), which are potentially corrosive to equipment.

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

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