Contract researcher in thermal analysis and calorimetry applied to batteries

Université de Technologie de Compiègne is recruiting a contract researcher in thermal analysis and calorimetry applied to batteries

at the Roberval Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department (IM).

This recruitment is funded by the French National Research Agency (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.

Mission

You will contribute actively to the development of methods for analysing heat generation of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

Main activities

·         Analyze and characterize heat generation in sodium-ion, and potentially lithium-ion, batteries using the various calorimetric techniques available in our laboratory (heat flux sensors, isothermal calorimeter, and thermocouples).

·         Compare results obtained from the different calorimetric techniques.

·         Quantify and localize heat fluxes in real time.

·         Evaluate differences in thermal behavior under low-power and high-power operating conditions.

·         Develop and propose a calorimetric technique suitable for all-solid-state batteries, particularly for cells maintained under mechanical pressure.

·         Disseminate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Scientific background

Started at the end of 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 their safe operation. Twelve laboratories in Germany and France are working together towards these goals, with a particular focus on batteries using solid electrolyte, known as "all-solid-state batteries". Nevertheless, lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte are also being studied to better understand the limitations associated with high-power operation. The Roberval laboratory of the University of Technology of 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. Since heat generation directly impacts battery performance, safety, and lifetime, this recruitment will enable the development of expertise in battery thermal management, which is now essential to support research on sodium-ion technologies and prepare future generations of all-solid-state batteries.  This position will contribute to validating our thermal measurement and analysis approaches, strengthening the links between experimental characterization and modeling, and increasing the laboratory’s visibility in a research area of strong scientific and industrial interest. Our focus is on non-intrusive temperature and heat measurements, such as thermocouples, heat flux sensors, and isothermal calorimetry, as these techniques are more accessible and easier to implement in both academic laboratories and industrial environments.

The objective of this recruitment is therefore to develop methods for analyzing heat generation for cells in commercial format. These will have to be adapted to lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells. We propose coupling these approaches physics-based equivalent circuit models, such as those developed at UTC. We intend to develop a digital twin whose parameters directly reflect internal battery phenomena, with thermal behavior serving as an indicator of the operating limits and performance capabilities of the battery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Application dates

From 07 september 2026 to 6 october 2026

Type of contract and expected recruitment dates

Fixed-term contract – expected duration of 12 months – contract end date : no later than 30 november 2027

Gross monthly salary

Depending on experience and funding

Hours

1,607 hours/year

Working environment and context

The position is based in the mechanical engineering department, Roberval laboratory. The recruited person will be integrated into our research team that works on the fine modeling of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The team contributing to HIPOBAT includes the present position, a PhD student, another researcher, a research engineer and an associate professor.

Occasional trips to academic partners in France or Germany are to be expected. A stay in Germany is to be considered if the work justifies it.

This recruitment is funded by the French National Research Agency (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 modelling and experimental skills.

C1-C2 level written English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) essential.

Basic French desirable for communication with teams.

Qualifications, training and accreditation

Qualification: Doctorate

Field of study: electrical engineering, thermal engineering, electrochemistry battery modeling

A doctorate in electrical engineering or thermal engineering on lithium-ion or sodium-ion battery modeling is particularly sought after.

Experience in battery calorimetry would be appreciated.