Master Internship 2026 | Atomic Layer Deposited Nitride Thin Films for Electrochemical Reactions
Job Description
The Institut Photovoltaïque d’Ile-de-France (IPVF) and Laboratoire PMC, École Polytechnique, are jointly offering a Master 2 internship (5–6 months) on the development of transition metal nitride (TMN) thin films for green hydrogen and ammonia production. The project is supported by the Energy4Climate (E4C) institute and provides hands-on research experience in ALD, nanomaterials, and electrochemistry.
Internship Details
| Title | Master 2 Internship – Atomic Layer Deposited Nitride Thin Films for Electrochemical Reactions |
|---|---|
| Organization | Institut Photovoltaïque d’Ile-de-France (IPVF) & Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée (PMC, École Polytechnique) |
| Location | Saclay Plateau, Palaiseau, France |
| Duration | 5–6 months (Latest start: February 2026) |
| Funding | Supported by Energy4Climate (E4C) |
| Research Field | Nanomaterials, Thin Films, Atomic Layer Deposition, Electrochemistry |
| Level | Master 2 / Engineering / Chemistry / Materials Science |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled |
| Supervisors | Dr. Clémence Badie (École Polytechnique) & Dr. Nathanaëlle Schneider (IPVF) |
| Contact Emails | [email protected]; [email protected] |
| Application Documents | Resume + Cover Letter + Academic Transcript |
About the Project
This project is part of the Energy4Climate (E4C) initiative and aims to develop thin film electrocatalysts for sustainable fuel generation. The focus is on transition metal nitrides (TMNs) as alternatives to noble metals for electrolysis-based green hydrogen and ammonia production. TMNs offer high chemical stability, electrical conductivity, and earth-abundant composition, making them ideal for next-generation electrochemical systems.
The internship will utilize Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)—a precise, self-limiting thin film deposition technique enabling conformal coatings on 3D substrates, essential for improving catalytic activity and surface area.
Research Objectives
The intern will contribute to the following key missions:
-
Developing Novel TMN Thin Films:
Design and optimize new nitride film deposition processes using plasma-assisted ALD at IPVF. -
Characterizing the Materials:
Perform comprehensive structural, morphological, and compositional analyses of deposited films at IPVF and PMC. -
Electrochemical Performance Evaluation:
Study electrochemical behavior to correlate film properties with catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution and ammonia synthesis.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a Master 2 student in Materials Science, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, or related disciplines, motivated by hands-on experimental research in thin film deposition and energy materials.
Desired skills and traits:
-
Strong interest in nanomaterials, electrocatalysis, and sustainability
-
Curiosity and willingness to learn new experimental techniques
-
Analytical mindset and good teamwork abilities
-
Basic knowledge of ALD, CVD, or electrochemical characterization is a plus
Work Environment
The internship will take place at two leading research institutes on the Saclay Plateau:
-
Institut Photovoltaïque d’Ile-de-France (IPVF) – a premier French research center for solar energy and energy materials.
-
Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée (PMC) – part of École Polytechnique, specializing in condensed matter physics and advanced material characterization.
This joint supervision provides a unique interdisciplinary environment bridging nanofabrication, physics, and electrochemistry.
Application Instructions
To apply, send the following documents in a single PDF:
-
Resume (CV)
-
Motivation Letter
-
Academic Transcript
📩 Email your application to:
[email protected] and [email protected]
🕓 Start Date: February 2026 (latest)
📍 Location: IPVF & PMC, Palaiseau, France
Reference Links
Disclaimer
This internship listing is adapted from the official IPVF–PMC Energy4Climate announcement. Details such as duration, supervisors, and eligibility are based on verified institutional sources. Applicants should confirm all specifics before applying.
