Post-doc: Circular hydrometallurgy and LCA

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

Résumé du poste

A leading geological research organization in France is seeking a full-time candidate to develop environmental assessments for the processing of nickel, cobalt, and manganese within the CICERO project. The ideal applicant will hold a PhD in industrial ecology or related fields and have proven expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team are essential. This position offers advantages like a 13-month salary and remote working options.

Prestations

13-month salary structure

Additional leave days

On-site restaurant

Sports facilities

Qualifications

• PhD required in industrial ecology, process engineering, or related fields.
• Proven expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) essential.
• Knowledge of process simulation tools is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Develop environmental assessments using LCA for CICERO processes.
• Interpret results to compare impacts and propose eco-design strategies.
• Participate in meetings with project partners to discuss data needs.

Connaissances

LCA expertise

Data management

Strong communication

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

English proficiency

Knowledge of French

Formation

PhD in industrial ecology or related disciplines

Outils

HSC Chemistry

Description du poste

Offer Description

BRGM is the French Geological Survey, the leading public institution for Earth Science applications for the management of surface and subsurface resources with a view to sustainable development. BRGM is actively involved as a coordinator and as a partner in several EU and French projects supporting technologies for resources efficiency, mineral intelligence, circular economy policies and environmental impacts mitigation.

You will play a key role in developing the environmental assessment for the processing of Ni, Co and Mn with the processes developed in the frame of the CICERO project. These processes are developed at low technology readiness level (TRL). Data collection and development will therefore be critical for this assessment. Strategies for upscaling and completing datasets, including the use of process simulation tools such as HSC Chemistry should be explored.

Responsibilities

The main tasks will be the following:

• Develop the environmental assessment of CICERO processes using LCA including the collection, organization and assessment of data required for the LCA in close collaboration with the project partners; the design and application of strategies for upscaling datasets (such as the use of process simulation tool)
• Interpret the results both to compare the impacts of CICERO processes against established benchmark processes and to propose improvement through eco-design strategies
• Participate to the CICERO meetings internally and with project partners, to discuss the data needs, LCA outcomes, eco-design strategies identified and the integration of environmental assessment results with health & safety and techno-economic evaluations
• Contribute to dissemination activities including at least one scientific publication, one presentation to a conference and the participation to the preparation of two project deliverables

Context and contributions of the position:

The energy transition implies a massive electrification, including transport electrification. This leads to an increased demand for lithium-ion batteries and associated cathode materials such as nickel, cobalt and manganese. In this context, the Horizon Europe project CICERO (https://cicero-horizon.eu/) aims to develop a sustainable and cost-effective model for the processing and refining of nickel, cobalt, and manganese, and converting them into cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, using circular hydrometallurgy principles and methanesulfonic acid (MSA).

One of the objectives of the project is to conduct integrated environmental, health & safety, and techno-economic assessments of novel processes for low-grade post-mining raw materials (e.g. tailings) and selected intermediates. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be used to identify environmental hotspots and propose potential eco-design strategies.

Specific Requirements

The position will be hosted within the environmental and social assessment unit of the mineral resources division at BRGM. This unit is dedicated to developing tools to characterize responsible mining and to providing support for responsible raw materials supply. The position is vacant from March 2026, for a period of 12 months; an extension may be possible.

Candidates must hold a PhD, in industrial ecology, process engineering, chemical engineering or related disciplines.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven expertise in LCA, including experience in data management and analysis for LCA studies
• Knowledge of process simulation tools (e.g., HSC Chemistry) is a plus but not required
• Strong ability to work with rigor and attention to deadlines, and to communicate scientific results clearly
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently while effectively contributing to an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
• Knowledge of French would be an asset but not required
• Ability to communicate and disseminate clearly the object of research

This full-time position involves travel within France and abroad.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Basic

Research Field Geosciences » Other Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information

In a work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance, notably through remote working options, BRGM stands out for its culture of kindness.

Certified with the HRS4R label in 2021, our aim is to support you throughout your professional journey at BRGM. We offer a wide range of programs to help you develop your skills and expertise.

At BRGM, you will benefit from several advantages, including a 13-month salary structure, additional leave days (JRTT), an on-site restaurant, sports facilities, ...

Selection Process

BRGM guarantees a transparent recruitment process. To apply, please send us your application (updated CV and cover letter). Deadline: 04/01/2026.

All our positions are open to everyone — at BRGM, we are committed to diversity!

Your application will be reviewed once the posting period has ended. If your profile is shortlisted, we will contact you for recruitment interviews, during which you will meet with the hiring unit and the HR team.