Could you briefly tell us about your academic background and professional experience before coming to CEA?
I got my PhD entitled "Chances and challenges of "going nano" for lithium-ion anodes" at the University of Münster, in Germany. Then I conducted research at the Helmholtz Institute in Ulm (HIU), which is associated to the Karlsruher Institute of Technology (KIT), on nanostructured active materials including carbonaceous coatings and composites for Li- and Na-ion batteries as well as lithium-oxygen batteries, employing ionic liquid-based electrolytes.
Could you tell us about your research project?
My research project is entitled: "Polymeric Ionic Liquids for Battery Electrolytes (PILE)". Basically, with my team, we are developing innovate electrolyte materials, including polymeric ionic liquids and self-assembling single-ion conductors for the realization of safer lithium-based batteries. |
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What are the strengths of your stay at CEA?
I have the chance to conduct research about a completely new and innovative topic with scientists who are excellent in their fields. There is a high concentration of expertise in my laboratory, particularly with respect to the use of large-scale facilities, enabling top-level research.
Moreover, in terms of equipment and facilities, I have everything I need. We have a lot of opportunities in the laboratory for the sake of our project and benefit from the nearby located large-scale facilities, the Institut Laue-Langevin Institute (ILL) for neutron science and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) for X-ray-based techniques.
I would recommend CEA and the Enhanced Eurotalents fellowship for researchers looking for a postdoctoral position. In fact, without my Enhanced Eurotalents fellowship, I wouldn't have been able to stay for more than a year and a half and especially the last months are crucial in a research project. Thus, I am really glad that I got the opportunity to extend my stay.
In addition to this, the people I met here are really kind and the international atmosphere is very enjoyable.
Is your work environment international? Do you think it brings value to your laboratory?
I am part of a 16-member team and there is a large fraction of members with an international background: I get to work every day with people coming from all over the world – Russia, Brazil, Spain, Japan, etc. I think this aspect is really enriching for both the laboratory and myself as a researcher.
What did you think about the training session named "Post-doc: how to manage your career?" you attended in INSTN (CEA – Saclay)?
This training session far exceeded my expectations, it was really enlightening. The trainer opened our eyes on the job market, teaching us that an application process is a two-sided thing. Rather than plainly applying, you need to be aware of your own potential so as to better market yourself.
A positive side effect of this session was my meeting with other fellows. I still meet them for lunch once a month.
How are you enjoying your professional and cultural life in France so far?
| My French is still improving, a little bit more every day. Though, I am working in English most of the time, I try to speak French in my personal life. Language was an issue at first, especially to get power and water supply. However, it was easy to adapt to Grenoble, which is a typical European city. In comparison with Germany, there was no major cultural gap. I really like my life here and Grenoble is a paradise for mountain-lovers - I can cross the street and the next second I am climbing a mountain. |  |
What is your plan after your stay at CEA? Do you have specific goals?
My plan is to go back to Germany, to become an independent researcher and to build up my own group, while working on my habilitation in order to become a professor one day.