Summary:
This postdoctoral position at CEA Grenoble is part of a cutting-edge project focused on advancing sodium-ion battery (NIB) technology by developing a reliable reference electrode sensor. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing, validating, and implementing this novel sensor to enable precise in situ and operando characterization of NIB performance, degradation mechanisms, and safety. This research aims to address critical challenges in NIB technology and contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.
Postdoctoral Researcher – Reliable Reference Electrode Sensor for Na-Ion Batteries, (NIB) technology, France
Designation: Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area: Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Energy Storage, Sodium-Ion Batteries
Location:
- Site: CEA Grenoble
- Country: France
- Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Department: Isère (38)
- City: Grenoble
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Academic & Technical Qualifications:
- PhD in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, or a related field, with a strong background in battery research.
- Proven expertise in experimental electrochemistry, including cell fabrication, testing, and characterization.
- Experience in sodium-ion batteries is a plus.
- Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and post-mortem analysis.
- Ability to lead research projects, publish in high-impact journals, and present findings at conferences.
- Soft Skills:
- Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Methodical, rigorous, and autonomous approach to research.
- Very good written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Languages: English (Fluent)
Job Description:
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Developing and implementing in situ and operando characterization techniques for Na-ion batteries.
- Designing a reliable electrochemical sensor as a reference electrode for internal cell measurements, utilizing active particles synthesized within the project.
- Instrumenting battery cells, conducting cycling tests under various conditions, and analyzing performance and ageing mechanisms through electrode profiles provided by the sensor.
- Performing data analysis and post-mortem examinations (SEM, EDX, ICP, etc.) to correlate sensor measurements with degradation phenomena.
- Collaborating closely with the LEDNA (IRAMIS) at CEA Saclay for the synthesis of materials used to create the reference electrode sensor.
- Testing new materials and elaborating a new reference electrode sensor, followed by evaluations of its stability over time.
- Conducting ageing tests on instrumented cells with the new sensor to assess its capability in monitoring the performances and ageing mechanisms of reference electrodes for Na-ion cells.
- Conducting research at the Electrochemical, Post-Mortem & Safety Analysis Laboratory (LAPS) at CEA Grenoble, part of the electromobility storage department (DEHT) at CEA-LITEN Grenoble.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing research experience and motivation.
- A detailed CV, including a list of publications.
Last Date for Apply:
The start date for this position is October 1, 2026. While a specific application deadline is not provided, candidates are encouraged to apply in advance of this start date.
Additional Information:
- Contract Type: Post-doctorat (Post-doctorate)
- Contract Duration: 18 months
- Reference Number: 2026-40962
- CEA Values: Conscience des responsabilités, Coopération, Curiosité.
- CEA is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.
