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ENERGY- Internship M2 : "Operation and adaption of a fuel cell test bench for a long-duration experimental campaign"

Context : As part of a long-duration experimental campaign on a fuel cell system, we are offering a six-month master internship. The main objective of the internship is to contribute to the understanding of the ageing phenomena of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack through an experimental approach. This include participating in the testing campaign through data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as to adapt and improve the experimental setups to meet the specific
requirements of the study. In parallel, a modeling part of the fuel cell stack performance will also be included. The experimental results obtained, with interpretation using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the distribution of relaxation time (DRT), will provide insight into the evolution of the underlying physical and chemical processes under varying operating condition .

Duration : 6 months, at the beginning of 2026 - Location : Université Marie et Louis Pasteur (anciennement Université de Franche-Comté), Institut FEMTO-ST, Equipe SHARPAC, UAR FCLAB -Bâtiment F, UTBM, F-90000 Belfort, France

Contents:
The internship will include the following activities:
1. Gaining a general understanding of the fundamental principles of fuel cell systems and the electrochemical characterization tools;
2. Adapting and monitoring the test bench;
3. Actively participating in experimental tests and in the characterization of the fuel cell system.
4. Modeling of a PEMFC stack using the DRT.
Candidate profile:
The candidate must have a solid training in the field of electrical engineering and control, and demonstrate:
 - Strong experimental and hands-on skills;
 - Good proficiency in programming tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, NI LabVIEW, or Python (strong asset);
-  Fast learning ability, motivation, and autonomy;
-  Knowledge of a real-time control system would also be a significant advantage.

Candidature:
The candidate must send by email:
1. Complete and up-to-date CV,
2. Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts,
3. A motivation letter (optional).
The documents should be sent to Prof. Marie-Cécile Péra et Dr. Zhixue ZHENG before Monday 5th January 2026

https://www.femto-st.fr/en/job-training-thesis/training-courses#job-5949

AS2M Internship M2 : Real-time Magnetic Localization of a Capsule for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Context : The AS2M department, specializing in microrobotics and micro-mechatronics investigated for more than 10 years the design, modeling, fabrication, and control of microsystems and microrobots. Various systems have been designed
and controlled for micro-assembly and biomedical applications with smart actuators, and sensors on a small scale. The ColoscoBot project in collaboration with the Carnot Institute of Burgundy (ICB),
supported by the Bourgogne Franche-Comt´e region, aims to develop a magnetically actuated robot for minimally invasive colonoscopy. A PhD student is currently working on the magnetic actuation of a small magnetic capsule that will navigate inside the colon. In parallel to the work on magnetic actuation and design, the goal of this internship/Master’s thesis is to develop a real-time localization system for the magnetic capsule.

Pratical information : 

  • Duration : 5-6 months
  • Start date : February 2026 at the latest
  • Compenasation : around 500 to 600 euros per month
  • Location  : Institut FEMTO-ST, département AS2M, 26 rue de l'épitaphe, 25000 Besançon

 

  • Objectives :  The goal is to develop a system capable of tracking the position and orientation (6 DoFs) of a magnetic capsule moving in space due to the magnetic actuation generated by a magnetic tool composed of an array of 4 permanent magnets as described in [ZBTF19, HDT25]. The work will successively focus on:
    - Reviewing and comparing existing magnetic localization technologies;
    - Defining and implementing a magnetic measurement setup suitable for integration in the ColoscoBot, in particular it must be capable of distinguishing between the contribution of the 4 actuation permanent magnets and the capsule;
    - Developing a real-time 3D position and orientation estimation algorithm (based on dipole modeling, inverse field computation, or filtering);
  • - Build and test a laboratory prototype for validation on a phantom;
    - Evaluate the performance of the localization setup in terms of relevant criteria, e.g. accuracy, update rate, robustness; [...]

Profil :  The successful applicant is a motivated and curious Master’s or final-year engineeringstudent with a solid background in mechatronics, robotics, applied physics, or instrumentation. He or she has strong knowledge of electromagnetism and signal processing and demonstrates strong skills in mathematical modeling, simulation, and programming using tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and/or Python. Familiarity with control systems, estimation algorithms, or experimental prototyping is highly valued. Previous experience in magnetic sensing or magnetic actuation is appreciated but mandatory. The candidate is expected to work independently and rigorously, with good analytical skills and a genuine interest in experimental research. Strong communication and technical writing abilities in French or English are required.

https://www.femto-st.fr/en/job-training-thesis/training-courses#job-5934

AS2M : Master's level opportunity - Development of a hybrid micro force sensor (piezoresistive–optical) for micro-robotic applications

CONTEXT AND INTERNSHIP ENVIRONMENT: As part of this internship, you will join the AS2M Department (Automatique et Systèmes Micro-Mécatroniques) of the FEMTO-ST Institute, a reference in the design, modeling, command/control of
micromechatronic and microrobotic systems for several scientific and industrial applications. You will work in an interdisciplinary environment with access to advanced platforms for instrumentation, control, and micro-robotization.
At FEMTO-ST, a micro-robotic platform has been developed for Single Fibre Transverse Compression Test (SFTCT) [1], including a first force–displacement sensor based on HP codes (visual markers). Building on this foundation, we aim to develop a new hybrid sensor combining:
• Force measurement via piezoresistive strain gauges (with potential multi-axis measurement).
• Displacement/pose measurement via HP codes (camera and microscope vision), integrated at the lower part of the sensor to gain compactness and improve metrology (effective fibre compression and system compliance).

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION:
The main objective of this internship is to design, simulate, and validate a new-generation force–displacement sensor, merging two FEMTO-ST state-of-the-art technologies:
1. Force measurement by piezoresistivity
2. Displacement measurement by optical tracking of HP codes [3]
This hybrid sensor aims to decouple the force and displacement measurements, thereby increasing precision, robustness, and the information richness extracted during compression tests.
The hired person will be in charge of developing the force–displacement sensor, which will include the following missions:
• Bibliographic study: Analysis of the state of the art on piezoresistive force sensors and optical measurement systems for micromechanics.
• Design and Simulation: Mechanical design of the sensor structure and multiphysics simulation (mechanical, piezoresistive) in COMSOL to validate and optimize the design.
• Modeling and signal processing: Development of physics-based and/or data-driven models to describe and process the sensor response. Possibility to use RAIDO AI framework and potential collaborations within the consortium.
• Manufacturing follow-up: Follow-up of the cleanroom fabrication process (MIMENTO platform), carried out in collaboration with a specialist.
• Characterization and Validation: Definition and execution of calibration protocols,
characterization (identify and evaluate resolution, sensitivity, stiffness, etc) and integration into the fibre compression platform.

Internship duration: 6 months starting February 2026

https://www.femto-st.fr/en/job-training-thesis/training-courses#job-5923

ENERGY : Master's-level internship opportunity | PEM electrolyzer modeling

Context : We are looking for a motivated M2/engineering student to develop a Python simulator for PEM electrolysis systems at the FEMTO-ST Institute.

Location : Belfort

Duration : 4-6 months  (jan-july 2026)

https://www.femto-st.fr/en/job-training-thesis/training-courses#job-5919