Isabelle CLEMENÇON
| Laboratory technician in the Physics and Analysis Division DUT in Physical Measurements from the University of Saint-Étienne |
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Based in Solaize
How did you get to IFP Energies nouvelles?
Armed with my DUT (technical diploma), I spent a year specializing in physicochemical analysis methods at the Orsay Technological University Institute. I then spent year working at a pharmaceutical research laboratory on a fixed-term contract.
While I was looking for a job, I went to the Forum Horizon Chimie chemical sector recruitment fair in Paris and it was there that I came across IFP Energies nouvelles. There were no vacancies at the time, but I left my CV. A few months later, I was contacted for a fixed-term post which was followed by a permanent contract in the laboratory I'm working in now.
Tell us about your job?
I work in the Materials Characterization Department of the Physics and Analysis Division and, more specifically, in the x-ray diffraction laboratory. I carry out analyses and characterize catalysts for the Catalysis and Separation Division, our main internal customer. My work determining the crystallographic structure of catalysts as a function of the treatments they undergo contributes to the development of new catalysts and the improvement of processes.
Tell us about a normal day at work?
An analysis laboratory isn't a production unit and so there isn't a typical day. But a complete analysis process always involves certain tasks: first and foremost, we have to define the customers' needs (engineers, technicians, doctoral researchers, placement students), as well as the scope of the analysis on the basis of samples supplied.
There is also a preparatory phase which consists in formatting the materials for analysis. From time to time, we also have to verify and monitor equipment to ensure it is calibrated correctly.
Most of my work consists in analyzing data (using processing software in particular) and formatting results.
What do you like about your job?
I've been working in the laboratory for 13 years and I've never yet been bored: the work I do is varied and I'm particularly interested in the technologies I use since they are changing all the time. I also appreciate the autonomy I am given to conduct analyses from start to finish in my own way and organize my days as I see fit.
Finally, I have built up good relationships with internal customers as well as our industrial partners and this is very important to me.
What does it take to do your job?
The job requires a degree of autonomy so we have to be organized and have an ability to manage our working time effectively, as well as deal with urgent requests or the unexpected.
In addition, since we support the other divisions, we have to be attentive to their needs and make ourselves available where necessary. For example, placement students working with us may encounter technical problems and customers need to discuss analysis results.
Where do you want to go from here?
Analysis only gives a partial vision of the overall picture and so in the short-term I want to play a greater role in projects in order to be able to see the bigger picture.
