Job Information
- Organisation/Company: CNRS LABORATOIRE EM2C
- Department: UPR288
- Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: Master Positions
- Application Deadline: 15 Sep 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
- 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?: Horizon Europe - ERC
Offer Description
Master-Level Internship
Experimental Study of the Dissociative Quenching Reaction of Excited Nitrogen by Water Vapor
GreenBlue (Greenhouse Gas and Pollutant Emissions Reduction Using Plasma-Assisted Combustion for a Blue Planet) is a research program conducted at EM2C that aims to develop decarbonized or carbon-neutral energy production technologies based on hydrogen and sustainable alternative fuels while maintaining low NOx emissions.
A promising strategy for reducing NOx emissions in industrial combustion systems is to operate under lean combustion conditions. However, lean flames are inherently unstable and can be effectively stabilized using nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) plasma discharges [1].
The main objective of this internship is to measure the rate coefficient of a key reaction responsible for generating free radicals that promote combustion stabilization [2]:
N₂ + H₂O → N₂ + OH + O*
where N₂* denotes an electronically excited nitrogen molecule in the C³Πu or B³Πg electronic state.
The first phase of the project will involve developing an experimental system capable of producing a nitrogen–water vapor mixture at temperatures of approximately 2000 K, representative of typical combustion conditions. Several approaches will be investigated, particularly the use of the exhaust gases from a hydrogen–air flame. To this end, an existing burner will be modified by installing a confinement tube.
Once the water vapor concentration has been characterized, a nanosecond plasma discharge will be applied to the hot gas stream to generate excited nitrogen molecules (N₂*). The emission from the different vibrational levels of excited nitrogen will be measured using quantitative optical emission spectroscopy, synchronized with measurements of current, voltage, and deposited energy.
The experimental results will be interpreted using kinetic models developed by the GreenBlue research team. The reaction rate coefficient will then be determined through analysis of the experimental data using the methodology previously developed by another PhD researcher in the group [3,4].
The internship will be carried out in close collaboration with the GreenBlue team. The results may lead to scientific publications.
Required Qualifications
- An M2 (Master's degree) or equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of plasma physics and/or combustion, which is desirable but not required.
- A strong interest in experimental physics and optical diagnostics.
- Excellent teamwork skills, as the project will involve close interaction with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and permanent staff participating in the GreenBlue program.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
- A strong motivation to contribute to solving scientific and technological challenges related to the energy transition.
Internship Conditions
The internship will be carried out at the EM2C-CNRS Laboratory, located at CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay (Gif-sur-Yvette, France).
The internship will be supervised by Professor Christophe Laux and will be paid at the French statutory minimum internship compensation (SMIC).
To apply :
Please send your resumé, motivation letter and contact of two references to Christophe.laux@centralesupelec.fr.
References:
- CO Laux, J-B Perrin-Terrin, V. Lafaurie, SM Starikovskaia (2026), "Foundations of plasma-assisted combustion: II. Mechanisms and applications," Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 35 023002 DOI 10.1088/1361-6595/ae0f0f
- VP Blanchard, N Minesi and CO Laux (2026), "Plasma-assisted combustion with nanosecond discharges. II: quenching of N2(B) and N2(C) in combustion environments," Plasma Sources Sci. Technol., in press https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6595/ae8935
- JL du Garreau de la Méchenie, JB Perrin-Terrin, CO Laux (2026), "Investigation of the quenching of N2(B3Πg, v) States by N2 and O2," AIAA SCITECH 2026 Forum, 2026
- JL du Garreau de la Méchenie, JB Perrin-Terrin, CO Laux (2025), "Quenching Rates of N2(C3Πu, v = 0-4) States by O2, N2, H2, CO2 and CH4," AIAA SCITECH 2025 Forum, 1591
Where to apply
E-mail: christophe.laux@centralesupelec.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- An M2 (Master's degree) or equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of plasma physics and/or combustion, which is desirable but not required.
- A strong interest in experimental physics and optical diagnostics.
- Excellent teamwork skills, as the project will involve close interaction with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and permanent staff participating in the GreenBlue program.
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
- A strong motivation to contribute to solving scientific and technological challenges related to the energy transition.
Languages
ENGLISH: Level Good
FRENCH: Level Excellent
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Years of Research Experience: None
Additional Information
Selection process
Selection will be done on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please send CV and motivation letter to christophe.laux@centralesupelec.fr.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: CNRS LABORATOIRE EM2C
Country: France
City: GIF SUR YVETTE
Postal Code: 91192
Street: 3 RUE JOLIOT CURIE
Contact
City: GIF SUR YVETTE
Website: http://em2c.centralesupelec.fr/
Street: 3 RUE JOLIOT CURIE
Postal Code: 91192
E-Mail: christophe.laux@centralesupelec.fr
Phone: 0676794501
Mobile Phone: 0676794501
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!