You would like to help the future generations in working in lithium ion batteries recycling field? To join a scientific recognized team engaged to develop innovative new recycling process ? Join our team in GRENOBLE. We are searching for a 24 months post-doctoral fellow in electrochemistry. The objective is to develop and understand the electrochemical mechanisms of a new deactivation concept of lithium ion domestic batteries.

As part of the 15-strong recycling team, whose main areas of expertise are electrochemistry and hydrometallurgy. Understanding the mechanisms involved is essential for developing innovative processes.

We can cite one of our understanding work on the cathode materials dissolution  (Billy, E.; Joulié, M.; Laucournet, R.; Boulineau, A.; De Vito, E.; Meyer, D. Dissolution mechanisms of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 positive electrode material from lithium-ion batteries in acid solution. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2018, DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b01352) but also mention our commun lab with a French industrial: ORANO, to develop an innovative full hydrometallurgical lithium ion battery recycling process.

We need your scientific and human competencies for the DESACTIV project that will start beginning of 2024. The objective will be to develop and make electrochemical understanding of a new deactivation concept for domestic lithium ion batteries.

Domestic lithium ion batteries gather all batteries used in electronic devices, mobile phone, and tooling applications. By 2030, the domestic lithium-ion battery market will increase up to 30%. With the new European recycling regulation and the emergency to find greener and safer recycling process, it is today necessary to develop new deactivation process of domestic lithium ion batteries.

The process has to address several lithium ion chemistries, be continuous, safe, controllable and low cost.

To develop this new concept, the first step will be to define the most appropriate chemical systems. Then these chemical systems will be tested in a dedicated experimental laboratory setup using chemistry and electrochemistry, allowing the simulation of real conditions of domestic batteries deactivation.

The third step will be to characterize, understand and validate the electrochemical and physico chemical mechanisms. The last step will be to participate to the validation of the deactivation concept on a real object (a lap top battery) in representative conditions (on the abuse tests plateform of CEA).

With an engineering degree/university diploma and a doctorate in electrochemistry / chemistry, you have developed academic knowledge and expertise in research and development of electrochemical processes. You have affinity for experimental set up building, important to reach the project objectives.

Your ability to work as part of a team and to communicate, as well as your adaptability, will enable you to integrate quickly and conclude your project. Scientific valorization of the results will take form of publications in journals with international reading committee and participation to scientific conferences.

What we offer

·       In the heart of the Alps, an exceptional and internationally recognised scientific ecosystem, in a city committed to the environmental transition "Grenoble European Green Capital 2022",

·       A balance between private and professional life (50 days off/year), an active Works Council for leisure and extra-professional activities,

·       Salary according to your qualifications and experience (a minima of 40ke/year), access to a savings scheme funded by the CEA,

·       Industrial-grade facilities for research,

·       Participation to scientific conferences,

·       Training to strengthen your skills or acquire new ones.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!