CDD researcher (M/F) in materials chemistry

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France is seeking a Researcher for the PREPAC project focusing on optimizing metal recovery processes. Applicants should hold a PhD in relevant fields and possess strong communication skills in English and French. This full-time role involves developing methodologies for the selective dissolution of ruthenium and optimizing separation processes. Opportunity to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment with ongoing PhD support.

Qualifications

• PhD in analytical chemistry, process engineering or materials chemistry is required.
• Knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle chemistry is appreciated.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Responsabilités

• Optimize Rh solubilization during dissolution of model residues.
• Develop method for selective dissolution of Rh from model residues.
• Supervise a 3rd year PhD student involved in the project.
• Characterize model residues produced by host team's method.
• Test original methods for quantitative dissolution of elements.

Connaissances

Good communication skills in English

Good communication skills in French

Knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle chemistry

Knowledge in analytical chemistry

Process engineering skills

Formation

PhD in analytical chemistry, process engineering or materials chemistry

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de chimie séparative de Marcoule Research Field Chemistry Physics Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 20 Dec 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 2 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The mission is part of the PIA4 - PREPAC (Procédés de RÉcupération des Platinoïdes dans l'Aval du Cycle) project, which aims to develop processes for recovering platinum elements (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium), molybdenum and technetium from spent nuclear fuel treatment-recycling plants. The main objectives of the project are: to reduce the quantity and hazardousness of final waste; to obtain separate streams of platinoids downstream from the process, with a view to the industrial recovery and reuse of these critical elements. More specifically, the proposed mission will explore two avenues:

• optimization of Rh solubilization during dissolution of model residues, in order to enable subsequent separation
• development of a method for the selective dissolution of Rh from model residues.

The researcher will appropriate the state of the art as well as previous knowledge and results obtained within the project consortium and the host team, in particular through participation in the supervision of a 3rd year PhD student also involved in the PREPAC project. The researcher will produce model residues using a method developed by the host team, and will continue to characterize these materials. The researcher will have to propose and test original methods to achieve quantitative solution of the elements of interest to the project (in particular Rh). At this stage, all activation methods are envisaged (chemical, microwave, hydrothermal, ultrasonic, etc.). Methods for selective dissolution of platinum elements based on their different chemical properties should also be tested.

The researcher will be attached to the Laboratoire des Interfaces de Matériaux en Evolution within the Institut de Chimie Séparative de Marcoule (ICSM, UMR 5257, CEA/CNRS/UM/ENSCM). This study is being carried out in close collaboration with CEA Marcoule's Departement of Research on Mining and fuel Recycling processes (ISEC/DMRC), which is leading thePAC project.

PhD. in analytical chemistry, process engineering or materials chemistry. Knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle chemistry and materials will also be appreciated. Good oral and written communication skills, in English and French, and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment with different teams.