Post-doctorat Physique & IA – Estimation thermique des systèmes de traction électrique (H/F) – réf : 1069

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school that awards degrees to engineers, master's students and doctoral candidates who have completed academic programmes based on the latest developments in science and technology and best management practices.

As a member of the Écoles Centrales Group (Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Paris), our school provides high-quality education for highly selected students.

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has more than 2,250 students, 500 employees and 600 temporary staff.

The proposed postdoctoral contract aims to optimise an existing hybrid strategy, while integrating it into a global vision of thermal estimation and monitoring of the entire powertrain, including motors, power modules and batteries. The ultimate goal is to improve the accuracy of observers, reduce computational complexity (CPU) and eliminate the use of sensors (NTC) while maintaining a very high level of reliability.

Job description:

Your activities will include:

• Developing a thermal model (physics and AI) of synchronous machines.

• Modelling heat transfer modes.

• Developing temperature estimation/observation methods based on physical and database models (AI).

• Develop stability and robustness proofs for the estimators/observers developed.

• Optimise the proposed algorithms in terms of CPU resources consumed.

• Ensure fast estimation, low cost and adapt these algorithms for embedded deployment.

Application to the entire vehicle chain (engines, converters, battery).

Valorisation: The post-doctoral work will be the subject of patent applications and submissions to international conferences and journals.

Technical skills:

• Automation

• Solid knowledge and skills in estimation, AI, control, optimisation.

• Electrical systems. Energy sources/storage, power electronics-electric motors.

Organisational skills:

• Implement research methods and tools related to innovation.

• Evaluate the work of individuals and the team in relation to projects and objectives.

Adaptability skills:

• Manage the time constraints of design, innovation or R&D activities.

• Go beyond the limits of available data and knowledge by cross-referencing different fields of knowledge or other professional sectors.

Interpersonal and social skills:

• Be able to promote and transfer the results of R&D, studies and forecasting.

• Implement all international publication mechanisms to promote new knowledge and expertise.

Required level: PhD in the fields of control/estimation.

Nature of the position

• 12-month fixed-term contract

• Position open to contract and permanent employees

• Category A - Postdoctoral researcher

• Full-time position - based in Nantes

• Travel required: National and international conferences (1 to 2 times per year); Work/team meetings at other laboratory sites

• Occasional teleworking

• Teleworking allowance

• Flexible working hours

• Modulation of work cycles (possibility of working 4.5 days)

• RTT + additional leave

• Free parking

• 75% transport reimbursement

• Sustainable mobility bonus (if cycling or carpooling)

Remuneration: according to the French civil service pay scale

Position available: March 2026

HR contact: Eloïse LEHOUX

Manager contact: Malek GHANES

This advertisement refers to the terms ‘candidate’, “engineer”, ‘manager’, etc. These terms are to be considered gender-neutral and apply to both women and men.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In accordance with our institution's CSR commitments, this position is open to all.