Ange Nzihou

This postdoctoral position at IMT Mines Albi, France, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the modelling and simulation of atomic, nanostructure, phase transition, and surface characteristics of graphitic biomass-derived biocarbon (biochar) produced at high temperature. The research is embedded within the RAPSODEE Center, a CNRS joint research unit dedicated to process engineering, materials, and sustainable energies. The project is funded by an ERC Advanced Grant under the EU Horizon Europe programme, ensuring robust support and resources for the successful candidate. The main objective of the project is to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing the thermal transformation of biocarbon into graphitic carbon. The research will focus on atomic- and nanoscale understanding of thermodynamic and kinetic phenomena during the formation of biomass-derived carbon materials. Key topics include phase nucleation and growth, dissolution, diffusion and precipitation of species, phase separation, evolution of carbon structural ordering during heat treatment, and mechanical properties such as phase stability, interstitial diffusion of atoms, surface energy, and conductivity. The candidate will employ and develop advanced simulation techniques, including Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, Molecular Dynamics (MD) with reactive force fields (e.g., ReaxFF), and Monte Carlo methods (kinetic Monte Carlo, thermodynamic sampling). Experience with machine learning in materials science, such as machine learning interatomic potentials and data-driven modelling of materials properties, as well as familiarity with multiscale modelling approaches, is highly valued. Applicants must have obtained a PhD less than 3 years ago in chemical engineering, materials science, physics, physical chemistry, or a related field. Essential skills include a strong background in computational materials science, experience with at least two of the following: DFT calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, or modelling; knowledge of phase transformations, diffusion, or nucleation and growth processes; and good programming skills (Python, C/C++, or similar). Candidates should demonstrate scientific rigor, analytical and synthesis skills, autonomy, initiative, and strong written and oral communication skills in English. The position is full-time, fixed-term for 18 months, and offers a pleasant working environment on a 22-hectare campus, 49 days of leave, on-site staff catering, support for sustainable commuting, and social benefits including supplementary social protection and family assistance. The research will be conducted in an international environment, with regular visits to partner laboratories in France, the USA, and India. To apply, candidates should submit their application via the online portal, including a CV, cover letter, 1 or 2 letters of recommendation, and a copy of their PhD diploma. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants with disabilities. For questions regarding the position content, contact Auriane Agard ([email protected]); for administrative matters, contact Laura Olivier ([email protected]). Application deadline is May 29, 2026. For further information, visit the institution's website or the application portal.

This PhD position at IMT Mines Albi, France, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of sustainable energy storage. The project, funded by an ERC Advanced Grant under the EU Horizon Europe programme, focuses on the high temperature kinetic and thermodynamic behaviour of graphitic biomass-based biocarbon (biochar) and its application in energy storage. The research will be conducted within the RAPSODEE Center, a CNRS joint research unit renowned for its work in process engineering, materials, and sustainable energies. The main objective of the PhD is to evaluate the storage capacity of innovative biocarbon composites, which are advanced biomass-based carbon materials designed to store energy in various environments. This research aims to provide sustainable alternatives to current energy storage solutions that rely on fossil fuel-based or non-sustainable materials, thereby contributing to significant CO2 emissions reduction and energy savings. The project involves international collaboration, with regular visits to partner laboratories in France, India, and the USA. The PhD thesis will be supervised by Professor Ange Nzihou and co-supervised by a colleague from Princeton University, ensuring a rich academic environment and exposure to global research networks. Research activities will include the selection and characterization of biomass feedstocks, pyrolysis and graphitization processes to produce biocarbon composites, and their application in energy storage. The focus will be on measuring and calculating thermodynamic and kinetic data, including dissolution-precipitation, grain nucleation, growth, and stability of biocarbon-based composites during formation. The construction of multi-component phase diagrams and comparison of experimental data with modelling results will enable optimization of the thermophysical and chemical properties of biocarbon materials. Applicants should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or physical chemistry. Essential skills include expertise in thermodynamics and/or kinetic modelling, programming for scientific computing and data analysis, and experience with materials characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, TGA-DSC, and N₂ sorption. Familiarity with microscopy and spectroscopy methods (SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, Raman spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy) is also required. Candidates should demonstrate scientific rigor, analytical and synthesis skills, autonomy, initiative, and strong communication abilities in English. The position offers a pleasant working environment on a 22-hectare campus, 49 days of leave, on-site staff catering, support for sustainable commuting, and social benefits including supplementary social protection and family assistance. The contract is fixed-term for 36 months, with full funding provided by the ERC grant. To apply, candidates must submit a CV, cover letter, and 1 or 2 letters of recommendation via the online application portal. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request. For questions regarding the position content, contact Auriane Agard ([email protected]); for administrative matters, contact Laura Olivier ([email protected]). Application deadline: May 29, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the official IMT Mines Albi recruitment portal.

This PhD position at IMT Mines Albi offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the energy storage performances of graphitic biomass-derived biocarbon (biochar) through multiscale characterization. The research is embedded within the RAPSODEE Center, a CNRS joint research unit specializing in process engineering, materials, and sustainable energies. IMT Mines Albi is a leading engineering and management school in France, recognized for its commitment to sustainable development, scientific research, and innovation. The project is part of an ERC Advanced Grant under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, focusing on the development and evaluation of innovative biocarbon composites. These advanced biomass-based carbon materials are designed to store energy efficiently in various environments, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based materials. The research aims to achieve significant reductions in CO2 emissions and energy consumption, contributing to global sustainability goals. The PhD work will involve regular collaboration with international partners, including laboratory visits in France and the USA. Current studies in the group address biomass feedstock selection, characterization, pyrolysis, and graphitization processes to produce biocarbon composites. The successful candidate will focus on understanding and implementing energy storage under diverse conditions, investigating optimal geometric dimensions, storage cycles, energy balances, mechanical resistance, corrosion kinetics, and thermodynamics. Key aspects of the research include multiscale (micro, nano, atomic) chemical, mechanical, and structural transformations during the storage cycle. The candidate will probe changes in biocarbon nanostructure, aromaticity, and crystalline graphitic domains, using advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The study will explore the relationship between carbon structure, thermomechanical stability, conductivity, and storage performance, as well as environmental indicators like energy consumption and CO2 emissions compared to commercial materials. Applicants should possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or physical chemistry. Essential skills include knowledge of heat and mass transfer, experience with solid characterization techniques (XRD, XPS, TGA-DSC, SEM, TEM, Raman), and a basic understanding of carbon materials and thermal processes. Candidates should demonstrate scientific rigor, analytical and synthesis skills, autonomy, initiative, and strong communication abilities in English. The position is funded for 36 months through an ERC Advanced Grant, offering a fixed-term contract, salary, social benefits, and support for sustainable commuting. The campus provides a pleasant working environment, staff catering, and accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Required application documents include a CV, cover letter, and 1 or 2 letters of recommendation. The application deadline is May 29, 2026. For further information about the position, contact Auriane AGARD ([email protected]). For administrative or HR matters, contact Laura OLIVIER ([email protected]). Apply online via the Institut Mines-Télécom portal.