Contract Researcher M/F in thermal analysis and calorimetry applied to batteries

Université de technologie de Compiègne is recruiting a contract researcher M/F in thermal analysis and calorimetry applied to batteries, as part of the HIPOBAT project, at the Roberval laboratory, mechanical engineering department.

Your mission Actively contribute to the development of heat generation analysis methods for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

Your activities

• Analyze and decompose the heat generation of sodium-ion batteries, and even lithium-ion, using the various calorimetric techniques available in our laboratory (fluxmeters, isothermal calorimeter, thermocouples)
• Compare results between the different techniques
• Quantify and locate heat fluxes in real time
• Evaluate behavioral differences between low and high power operation
• Propose a calorimetric technique adapted to all-solid-state batteries, particularly within the device that maintains them under mechanical stress
• Promote work through publications in scientific journals.

Scientific context Started in late 2024, the HIPOBAT (High-Power Batteries) project aims to develop very high-power batteries (full charges or discharges in a few minutes), as well as the models and control strategies that allow this operation safely. Twelve laboratories from Germany and France are working together towards these objectives, with a particular focus on solid electrolyte batteries, known as "all-solid-state batteries." Nevertheless, liquid electrolyte lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are also being studied to better understand the limits associated with high-power operation. The Roberval laboratory of the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC) brings to the HIPOBAT project its expertise in the characterization and modeling of lithium and sodium batteries.

High-power operation increases the risk of significant battery heating. Given that heat generation directly conditions the performance, safety, and lifespan of batteries, this recruitment will allow for the development of expertise in battery thermal management, which is now indispensable for supporting research conducted on sodium-ion technologies and preparing future generations of all-solid-state batteries. This position will allow for the validation of our thermal measurement and analysis approaches, strengthen the links between experimental characterization and modeling, and increase the laboratory's visibility on a topic of high scientific and industrial importance. We focus on non-intrusive temperature and heat measurements such as thermocouples, fluxmeters, and the isothermal calorimeter, as they are more easily accessible for laboratories and industry.

The objective of this recruitment is to propose heat generation analysis methods for commercial format cells. These must be adapted to lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells. We propose that these methods be coupled with physics-based equivalent electrical circuit models, such as those developed at UTC. We intend to develop a digital twin whose parameters directly reflect internal phenomena and, in particular, to use thermal behavior as an indicator of the battery's operating and performance limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Application dates from 07/09/2026 to 06/10/2026 Contract type and estimated recruitment dates Fixed-term contract – planned duration of 12 months - to start in November 2026 - end date no later than 30/11/2027 Gross monthly salary According to experience and funding Hourly volume 1,607 hours/year Environment and work context You will join the Roberval laboratory - mechanical engineering department and integrate our research team on the fine modeling of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. You will have access to experimental platforms for your research work as part of the described mission. The research work will be carried out in interaction with the dedicated team as well as with the academic partners of the project. The team working for the HIPOBAT project includes this position, a PhD student, another researcher, a research engineer, and a professor-researcher. Occasional travel to academic partners in France or Germany is to be expected. A stay in Germany is to be considered if the work justifies it. This recruitment benefits from funding from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) as part of the HIPOBAT project of the PEPR Batteries (reference ANR-23-PEBA-0008). More information on the PEPR website: www.pepr-batteries.fr

Skills Good knowledge of physics-based modeling, as well as experimental skills. Written English level C1-C2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is indispensable. Notions of French are desired for exchanges with the teams.

Degree, training, and authorization Degree: PhD Field of training: electrical engineering, thermal, electrochemistry, battery modeling A profile with a PhD in thermal characterization and modeling of lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries is particularly sought after.

Experience in battery calorimetry would be appreciated.