Postdoctoral Research Opportunity : Extraction and purification of anti-oxidant and anti-microb[...]

URD ABI; France; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the PLAMINPACK project, focusing on the extraction and purification of antioxidant and antimicrobial molecules from waste plant residues. This role involves developing green methodologies for innovative bio-based packaging materials. The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in a relevant field and has experience in extraction techniques and analytical methods. The position offers full-time hours and a temporary contract starting on October 1, 2024.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in extraction and purification techniques for bioactive compounds from plant materials.
• Strong background in analytical methods for characterising antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
• Knowledge of green chemistry principles, eco‑extraction and sustainable processing methodologies.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsabilités

• Develop and conduct extraction and purification processes of antioxidant and antimicrobial molecules from selected plant residues.
• Optimise the extraction and purification parameters.
• Characterise the extracted bioactive compounds with regard to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
• Transform solid residues into micrometric powders for use in packaging materials.
• Collaborate with project partners to integrate extracted compounds into biopolymer matrices.

Connaissances

Process engineering

Eco‑extraction

Green chemistry

Analytical chemistry

Purification processes

Writing scientific articles

Formation

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

Description du poste

Organisation/Company URD ABI Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Engineering » Process engineering Engineering » Chemical engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 30 Aug 2028 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2024 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon 2020 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Project : PLAMINPACK (PRIMA Project)

Duration : 24 Months

Starting date : 01/10/2024

Location : URD ABI-AgroParisTech, CEBB, 3 rue des Rouges Terres 51110 Pomacle, France

Presentation of URD ABI:

URD ABI - AgroParisTech, located within the Pomacle-Bazancourt biorefinery, is a research and development unit dedicated to the valorization of agroresources and biorefinery byproducts. With expertise in white biotechnologies, green chemistry, and process engineering, the team works on multi-disciplinary research projects aiming at developing new industrial processes. These processes integrate the transformation of agricultural byproducts into high-value chemicals, including polymers and materials, fine chemicals, functional additives, and cosmetic ingredients.

Presentation of the PLAMINPACK Project:

The PLAMINPACK project aims to develop easily scalable bio-based packaging materials and methodologies, including nets, films, trays, and coatings made from home‑compostable and antimicrobial plant sources, to reduce food loss, particularly of highly perishable items, and replace fossil-based packaging currently found in supermarkets and shops. This new packaging concept will be integrated into the circular management of farms, using specific digital tools to ensure all biomass waste is reused to produce food, packaging, feed, or amendments. The project also focuses on the stability, recyclability, and environmental impact of the new packaging materials, promoting local business growth, job creation, and biodiversity protection while securing food systems.

Objective:

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on the extraction and purification of antioxidant and antimicrobial molecules from waste plant residues, specifically from tangerine, date, and strawberry. The aim is to develop green, easily scalable methodologies to obtain valuable bioactive compounds which will be incorporated into the creation of innovative, active bio‑based packaging materials with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and conduct extraction and purification processes of antioxidant and antimicrobial molecules from selected plant residues.
• Optimise the extraction and purification parameters.
• Characterise the extracted bioactive compounds with regards to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
• Transform the solid residues into micrometric powders for subsequent use in packaging materials.
• Collaborate with other project partners to integrate extracted compounds into biopolymer matrices and validate their effectiveness in packaging applications.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in extraction and purification techniques for bioactive compounds from plant materials.
• Strong background in analytical methods for characterising antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
• Knowledge of green chemistry principles, eco‑extraction and sustainable processing methodologies.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills in English and the ability to contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV, a cover letter detailing their research experience and motivation for joining the PLAMINPACK project, and contact information for two references. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible to Dr Morad Chadni ([e-mail]) and Prof Florent Allais ([e-mail]).

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Skills / Qualifications

• Process engineering
• Eco‑extraction
• Green chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Purification processes
• Writing scientific articles