Research doctorate: “Modelling and development of a thermal conductivity based ortho-para H2 sensor under cryogenic conditions”

As a doctoral student, you will be at the heart of our research and innovation missions and, to a lesser extent, our teaching missions. You will be assigned to the SPIN – LGF center. At this center, you will combine your passion for science with a desire to make a societal impact.  

The SPIN (Science des Procédés Industriels et Naturels) center, which will be heavily involved in the thesis, is developing its expertise at Mines Saint-Etienne in the field of process engineering applied to dispersed systems: grains, particles, droplets, bubbles, and porous media. It also has expertise in sensor and instrumentation development.

The PhD will be carried out in collaboration with the NEEL Institute (Grenoble), where regular visits will be made during the second part of the thesis. The NEEL Institute is a condensed matter physics research laboratory located in Grenoble. It is a CNRS research unit (UPR 2940) created in 2007 with research themes focusing on magnetism, photonics, quantum electronics, quantum fluids, and superconductivity. The institute has particular expertise in cryogenics and the technical framework for conducting hydrogen measurement tests under cryogenic conditions.

ALFA LAVAL, a world-renowned expert in the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of brazed heat exchangers, cold boxes, core-in-drums heat exchangers, and Cryomec® cryogenic pumps, will also be involved in the project. In particular, it will contribute its expertise in the field of cryogenics and enable the sensors to be tested in industrial facilities.

Context: Liquid hydrogen has several significant limitations and challenges that restrict its current use. One of these is the energy loss through cryogenic boiling associated with the storage, transport, and handling of liquid hydrogen, which can consume up to 40% of the available combustion energy. Molecular hydrogen exists in two allotropic forms (spin isomers), ortho-hydrogen and para-hydrogen, differentiated by the nuclear spin state of the protons in each hydrogen atom. For a given temperature, the equilibrium ratio between the concentrations of ortho-hydrogen and para-hydrogen is: [

Joining Mines Saint-Étienne means committing to an institution where science and innovation build a more sustainable future. It is a school of excellence where everyone has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and contribute to tackling the challenges of tomorrow.

Ranked among the top engineering schools in France and recognized worldwide, our school, a member of the Institut Mines-Télécom, educates the talents of tomorrow while actively addressing major industrial, digital, and environmental challenges. By joining us, you become part of a community of 500 members of staff, 2,500 students and take part in an ambitious project: combining academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and positive societal impact.

The Institut Mines-Télécom brings together France’s leading Grandes Ecoles to tackle major industrial, digital, energy, and environmental challenges. With its eight public Grandes Écoles and two affiliated Graduate Schools, it is the leading public institute dedicated to engineers and managers. Together, we imagine and build a sustainable future by educating the leaders who will shape tomorrow’s transitions.

You hold a:

• Bac + 5 diploma or equivalent

And ideally:

• You hold an engineering degree or master's degree in the following fields: Physical Sciences, Fluid Transfer/Mechanics, Engineering Sciences
• You performed an internship or professional experience in research (strong interest in the experimental aspect)
• Junior applicants accepted: yes

Your additional strengths:

• As the subject matter is highly multidisciplinary, solid knowledge of fluid mechanics, transfers, engineering, and automation would be appreciated.
• Solid numerical skills (particularly Python coding)
• Interest in experimental and digital work
• Good oral and written communication skills (particularly in English)