CERAMATHS is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher specialising in piezoelectric materials

How can we detect abnormal vibrations in electrical machinery whilst helping to ensure the energy self-sufficiency of diagnostic systems? This is one of the challenges addressed by the SOUTENAVIB 2 project, which is dedicated to the development of new piezoelectric systems for vibration analysis, energy recovery and predictive maintenance.

The project has two complementary objectives: to detect faults in electrical machinery using piezoelectric sensors and to harvest the energy produced by vibrations to power these sensors.

Particular attention will be paid to the development of lead-free piezoelectric materials, in order to minimise the environmental impact of the devices developed.

The project brings together three research laboratories: CERAMATHS (UPHF), the IEMN, based in Valenciennes, and the Roberval Laboratory at the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC).

At CERAMATHS, the successful candidate will contribute to the synthesis, fabrication and characterisation of piezoelectric materials and devices. The work will focus in particular on the physico-chemical and electromechanical properties of materials, the performance of sensors for vibration diagnostics, and the exploration of additive manufacturing processes.

This post is open to candidates holding a PhD in materials chemistry, ideally with experience in the development and/or characterisation of piezoelectric ceramics.

Skills in instrumentation, measurement techniques and additive manufacturing would be an advantage.