General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
2025-37999
Description de l'unité
CEA-Liten is a major European research institute and a driving force behind the development of the sustainable energy technologies of the future. The institute is spearheading the EU's efforts to limit dependency on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in three key areas: renewable energy, energy efficiency/storage and development of materials.
The Membrane Electrode Assembly Laboratory (LMEA) develops, assembles and characterises components for low- and medium-temperature water electrolysers and hydrogen fuel cells. The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is the electrochemical heart of the AEMWE developed to produce hydrogen from water. The manufacture and characterisation of the performance and durability of the MEA components is an essential link in the development of the electrolysers.
Position description
Category
Electromagnetism, electrical engineering
Contract
Postdoc
Job title
Postdoc in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) - 24 months
Subject
The SAGAZ project aims to understand and optimise water and gas management in anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysers in “dry cathode” mode by combining in operando neutron imaging with ex situ characterisation. The objective is to develop an innovative methodology for visualising and quantifying water distribution in AEM electrolysers.
Contract duration (months)
24 months
Job description
The objective of SAGAZ is to develop and validate a methodology for the visualisation and quantification of water and gas in an AEM electrolyser operating in “dry cathode” mode, by combining in operando neutron imaging with ex situ characterisation. Outcomes will inform the design and optimisation of AEM electrolyser components, as well as provide input into water transport models developed at CEA.
In this project, AEMWE membrane electrode assemblies will be fabricated and characterised. Their electrochemical properties will be elucidated using 2 cm² single cells. Structural (SAXS, DVS) and physico-chemical (porosity, water adsorption) analyses will be carried out on membranes and electrodes. In order to quantify water distribution in an AEM electrolyser oprerating in dry-cathode mode, electrochemical measurements will be combined in operando with neutron imaging. To achieve this goal, a bespoke single cell will be designed and constructed.
Why join SAGAZ?
· Contibute to the development of a key technology for the production of green hydrogen.
· Work in a stimulating environment in which fundamental research meets industrial deployment.
Benefit from international visibility brought by publications and conducting measurements at the European Synchotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble
Applicant Profile
· Doctorate in electrolysis or fuel cells, or in neutron or X-ray imaging.
· Experience in electrochemical testing. Additional experience in neutron and/or X-ray imaging will be viewed favourably.
Ability to work independently and to demonstrate initiative, willingness to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, ability to produce technical reports of high quality.
Position location
Site
Grenoble
Job location
France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Isère (38)
Location
Grenoble
Candidate criteria
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- French (Fluent)
Prepared diploma
Autre
Recommended training
Doctorate in electrolysis or fuel cells, or in neutron or X-ray imaging.
PhD opportunity
Non
Requester
Position start date
12/01/2026