Researcher (M/F) in Materials Science – Physicochemical Characterization of Ceramics and Infrared Spectroscopy

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Conditions Extrêmes et Matériaux : Haute température et Irradiation Research Field Chemistry Physics Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 14 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

At the CNRS, within the “Extreme Conditions and Materials: High Temperature and Irradiation” laboratory in Orléans - CEMHTI (UPR 3079), the CERAM team is recruiting a researcher interested in studying the effect of aging on the high-temperature optical properties of ceramics using infrared spectroscopy.

-The proposed work is part of a project (ACACIA) funded by the ANR within the CANOPEE joint laboratory (Saint-Gobain Recherche, CNRS, University of Lorraine) and focuses on studying the effect of aging on the high-temperature optical properties of ceramics exposed to H₂O atmospheres, using infrared spectroscopy. The objective of this position is to characterize the physicochemical properties of ceramics before and after exposure to high temperatures, as well as their optical properties. Characterizations will be performed using standard techniques in the field, such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Optical properties will be measured using high-temperature infrared spectroscopy. The selected candidate will be responsible for implementing these various techniques and instruments—including sample preparation—interpreting the results, and presenting an aging analysis. He or she will also be expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of the high-temperature infrared spectroscopy technique.- Data processing and interpretation- Preparing and characterizing samples- Interpreting results in collaboration with partners, drafting reports and technical documents, and presenting results to the consortium- Disseminating results through scientific publications- Disseminating results through participation in conferences

CEMHTI is a CNRS research unit spread across two nearby sites (High Temperature and Cyclotron) and comprising approximately 110 people. The laboratory develops expertise and innovative tools at the national and international levels, particularly for the in situ study of the physicochemical properties of materials under extreme conditions. The researcher will be based at the CEMHTI High-Temperature site.

The successful candidate must hold either a Ph.D. in materials science (in chemistry or physics) or a Ph.D. focused primarily on the study of inorganic materials. In particular, solid knowledge and experience in the characterization of the structural, optical, and radiative properties of materials are prerequisites for employment. He or she must therefore have acquired, during his or her Ph.D. or postdoctoral fellowships, solid experience in high-temperature infrared spectroscopy. He or she must be proficient in both the theoretical and experimental aspects of the following areas: • High-temperature infrared spectroscopy (required skill)• Experience in characterizing the spectral emissivity of materials at high temperatures (1500 °C and above) would be a plus.• The candidate must have experience handling high-power lasers.• In-depth knowledge of high-temperature inorganic materials science;• Controlled atmosphere;• Physicochemical characterization of ceramics (SEM, XRD, etc.) would be a plus. The candidate must also possess the following skills:• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English to actively participate in the project's dissemination activities;• Proficiency in the computer tools required to operate equipment and process and analyze data;• Organizational skills: the ability to initiate, plan, implement, and deliver research results within defined deadlines;• Compliance with health and safety regulations specific to the field;• Ability to work while maintaining the confidentiality of research work and results;• Ability to work as part of a team and report to others