The CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research is recruiting a Researcher on an 18-month fixed-term contract focused on the corrosion protection of copper heritage metals. Based in Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, France, the full-time position will begin on 1 December 2026 and addresses the conservation of copper-based heritage objects.
The project aims to protect copper heritage metals from corrosion while preserving their existing corrosion-product layers, which form an integral part of the objects. The Nanoscience and Innovation for Materials, Biomedicine and Energy (NIMBE) laboratory coordinates the research, which combines physical chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science and heritage conservation.
The researcher will investigate corrosion inhibition mechanisms using electrochemical cells coupled with Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Emission SpectroElectroChemistry (AESEC). The project will also develop and adapt sol-gel treatment formulations and application protocols for restoration workshops and outdoor conditions. The researchers will then monitor treated heritage objects under field conditions.
The position requires a PhD and strong skills in electrochemistry and materials science. Relevant experience includes work with metals and corrosion, experimental devices and in-situ characterisation. Knowledge of Raman spectroscopy and AESEC is relevant to the research. The official listing specifies 1–4 years of desired research experience and an interest in heritage material conservation.
Position Details
- Position: Corrosion protection of copper heritage metals (M/F)
- Official Reference number: UMR3685-DELNEF-002
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research, France
- Department: Nanoscience and Innovation for Materials, Biomedicine and Energy
- Research Discipline(s): Physical, theoretical and analytical chemistry
- Location: Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, France
- Job Type: Researcher on fixed-term contract
- Contract Duration: 18 months
- Start Date: 1 December 2026
- Salary: €3,123 gross monthly
- Required Qualification: PhD
Research Areas
The project spans the following interconnected research areas:
- Heritage Metal Conservation and Cultural Heritage Materials
- Copper Corrosion and Corrosion Protection
- Electrochemistry and Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science and Analytical Chemistry
- Sol-Gel Protective Treatments
- Raman Spectroscopy and AESEC
- In-Situ Characterisation and Heritage Object Monitoring
Eligibility/Qualifications
The position is suitable for candidates with the following qualifications, skills and research experience:
- PhD in a relevant field
- Strong skills in electrochemistry and materials science
- Knowledge or experience in metals and corrosion
- Experience in designing, implementing and conducting experimental devices
- Experience with in-situ characterisation is desirable
- Familiarity with Raman spectroscopy and AESEC is relevant to the project
- Interest in the conservation of heritage materials
- 1–4 years of desired research experience
Salary and Benefits
The position offers the following remuneration and benefits:
- 18-month fixed-term contract
- €3,123 gross monthly salary
- 44 days of annual leave and RTT
- 75% coverage of eligible transport costs
- Sustainable mobility package of up to €300
Key Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the researcher include:
- Studying corrosion inhibition mechanisms for copper heritage metals using electrochemical methods
- Using electrochemical cells coupled with Raman spectroscopy to examine changes in treated corrosion-product layers
- Using AESEC to analyse species released into solution during the treatment studies
- Adapting sol-gel formulation and application protocols for restoration workshops and outdoor conditions
- Testing treatment application strategies, including brush and spray methods, while considering QHSE requirements
- Applying selected treatments to a copper-alloy bust at Père Lachaise cemetery and monitoring its evolution through physicochemical and electrochemical measurements
Application Process
Candidates should apply through the official CNRS recruitment website using reference UMR3685-DELNEF-002. Applicants should follow the instructions provided on the CNRS employment platform and submit the requested information and documents.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026, 11:59 PM
- Expected Start Date: 1 December 2026
Eligible candidates can review the full vacancy using the button below and submit their application through the official CNRS recruitment page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of this CNRS research position?
The project focuses on developing innovative treatments to protect copper heritage metals from corrosion while preserving their corrosion-product layers.
Is this a postdoctoral position?
The official listing describes the role as a Researcher on a fixed-term contract. It requires a PhD but does not identify the position as postdoctoral.
How long is the CNRS contract?
The position is offered on an 18-month fixed-term contract.
Where is the position located?
The workplace is in Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, France.
What salary does the position offer?
The official listing specifies remuneration of €3,123 gross per month.
What experience is sought?
The listing specifies 1–4 years of desired experience, with skills in electrochemistry and materials science, plus experience with metals, corrosion and experimental devices. In-situ characterisation experience is desirable.
Institutional Overview
The CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research is a French research organisation active across all scientific fields. This position is based in Gif-sur-Yvette, Essonne, within the Nanoscience and Innovation for Materials, Biomedicine and Energy (NIMBE) laboratory. NIMBE coordinates the project and contributes to research on the preservation of historical and archaeological metals. The consortium also includes ICMPE, which contributes expertise in copper-alloy corrosion and electrochemistry; LISE, which specialises in real-time electrochemical analysis; C2RMF, which focuses on restoration of museum collections; and the Diana Da Silva workshop, recognised for monumental statuary restoration. The collaboration brings together physical chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science and heritage conservation.
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