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Quick Job Summary
| Role | Postdoctoral Fellow (Solar Energy & Decarbonization) |
| Institution | IMT Nord Europe (CERI EE Center) |
| Location | Dunkirk (Les Hauts-de-France), France |
| Contract | Fixed-term (13 months) |
| Deadline | February 14, 2026 |
| Reference | ABG-134867 |
| Key Skills | Python, Modelica (Dymola), Solar Thermal Energy |
Are you a PhD graduate in Energy or Thermal Engineering seeking a high-impact research role? IMT Nord Europe is hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead innovative research on parabolic trough solar collectors and decarbonization strategies. Based in Dunkirk, France, this position (Ref. ABG-134867) focuses on advanced energy modeling using Modelica and Python to shape the future of industrial heat production.
Opportunity Overview
The Mission
The core objective of this fellowship is to drive the decarbonization of heat and electricity production. You will be responsible for evaluating innovative cylindrical solar collectors at a system-wide level. This isn’t just about theory; it’s about modeling real-world applications where these collectors can replace fossil fuels in industrial processes.
The Institution
IMT Nord Europe is a premier graduate school of engineering, formed from the merger of Télécom Lille and École des Mines de Douai. It sits at the crossroads of Europe, offering a dynamic environment that combines academic rigor with industrial application. You will be joining a network that prides itself on solving 21st-century energy challenges.
The Research Center
You will work within the CERI EE (Centre for Education, Research and Innovation Energy Environment). Specifically, you will be based at the Dunkirk research site in the EcoSystemD building. This facility is a hub for “Energy, Fluids, and Transfers” research, providing you with access to cutting-edge tools and a collaborative team of experts.
Key Responsibilities & Research Focus
As a postdoctoral fellow, your day-to-day will revolve around simulation, validation, and publication. Here is what you will actually be doing:
- Simulation & Modeling: You will develop dynamic models for solar heat production systems. Proficiency in Modelica (Dymola) is essential here, as you will be simulating complex thermal behaviors.
- System Analysis: You won’t just look at the components; you will quantify the decarbonization potential and ecological performance of the entire system.
- Validation: A key part of your role will be comparing innovative collector configurations against standard ring exchangers to prove their efficiency.
- Dissemination: Your findings need to reach the wider world. You will be expected to publish in high-impact international journals and present your work at conferences.
- Teaching: There is a minor teaching component (maximum 32 hours per year) integrated into your schedule, allowing you to mentor the next generation of engineers without detracting from your research.
Eligibility & Candidate Profile
To secure this Postdoctoral Position in Solar Energy at IMT Nord Europe, you need a specific blend of academic background and technical prowess.
Education
- PhD Degree: You must hold a PhD in Energy, Thermal Engineering, or Fluid Mechanics.
- Recent Grad: The PhD should have been obtained less than 3 years ago (making this a true “Junior” postdoc role).
Hard Skills
- Mandatory: You need strong programming skills in Python and extensive experience in System Simulation tools like Dymola, OpenModelica, or Matlab/Simulink.
- Desirable: Experience with Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) will give your application a significant edge.
Soft Skills
- Scientific Communication: You must be able to write and speak clearly about complex data.
- Analytical Mind: The ability to organize your work autonomously and think critically is non-negotiable.
Languages
- English: High proficiency is mandatory (C1/C2 level) as this is an international research environment.
- French: While not strictly required, fluency in French is a “plus” that will help with daily life in Dunkirk and interaction with local partners.
Job Details & Benefits
- Start Date: April 1, 2026.
- Duration: 13 Months (Fixed-term contract).
- Salary: Negotiable based on experience, following standard French postdoctoral salary grids.
- Location: You will split time between the Dunkirk and Douai campuses. This location offers excellent connectivity to major European capitals like Paris, Brussels, and London.
How to Apply
Ready to advance your career in thermal energy engineering?
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted by February 14, 2026.
- Required Documents: Prepare your CV, a tailored Cover Letter, and a comprehensive List of Publications.
- Direct Application: Submit your documents through the official Association Bernard Gregory (ABG) portal or the IMT Nord Europe Career Page.
Why Join IMT Nord Europe?
Joining IMT Nord Europe means more than just a job; it’s a career accelerator. You will have access to 20,000 m² of laboratory space and work in the Hauts-de-France region, a strategic area for Europe’s energy transition. The interdisciplinary environment at CERI EE fosters innovation, allowing you to work alongside chemists, physicists, and engineers all tackling the same goal: a sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can international candidates apply?Yes. While some funding streams have restrictions, this Postdoctoral position is generally open to international researchers who meet the visa and academic requirements.
- Is French mandatory for this role?No. English is the primary working language for research output. However, knowing French is preferred for social integration and administrative ease.
- What is the “Modelica” requirement?Modelica is an object-oriented modeling language used for component-oriented modeling of complex systems. If you have used Dymola or OpenModelica in your PhD, you are the right fit.
You can APPLY DIRECTLY FROM HERE
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