Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Stabilization of Dredged Sediments (SED’UP Project) - Ge[...]

Nantes Université; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A French university in Nantes is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for an 18-month project on sediment stabilization for civil engineering applications. The role involves developing innovative solutions to replace traditional materials with sustainable alternatives, conducting experimental programs, and disseminating scientific findings. Candidates should have a PhD in relevant fields and strong skills in materials characterization and testing. The position offers diverse professional opportunities and a commitment to sustainability.

Prestations

Transport subscription up to 75% supported

Access to university restaurants with a preferential rate

Access to sports and university libraries

Qualifications

• PhD in Civil Engineering, Materials, Materials Chemistry, Environment, or related discipline.
• Strong skills in materials characterization and geotechnics.
• Excellent command of experimental work and mechanical testing.

Responsabilités

• Conduct comprehensive experimental programmes on sediment stabilization.
• Develop mixtures and evaluate stabilization performance.
• Perform mechanical and geotechnical testing.

Connaissances

Civil Engineering

Materials Chemistry

Sustainability

Mechanical Testing

Physicochemical Analysis

Instrumentation

Formation

PhD or equivalent in relevant discipline

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Nantes Université Department GEM Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 10 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37h15 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 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

As part of the SED’UP project, which focuses on the sustainable valorisation of dredged sediments for Civil Engineering applications, we are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher for a period of 18 months. The project aims to address a major challenge arising from recent regulatory developments: the progressive ban on the marine disposal of polluted sediments starting from January 1st, 2025. This new requirement necessitates the implementation of reliable and sustainable onshore management pathways, including their potential reuse as construction materials (dikes, embankments, pavement layers, etc.).

The scientific objective of the postdoctoral position is to develop, understand, and optimise an innovative sediment stabilisation solution based on the use of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) binders as a partial or total substitute for lime and Portland cement (OPC). This approach responds both to technical constraints (fine particle size distribution, high water content, presence of pollutants and organic matter) and to environmental imperatives (CO₂ reduction, carbon neutrality by 2050).

The successful candidate will work within the GeM Laboratory – CNRS UMR 6183, in collaboration with the project’s industrial and institutional partners. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive experimental programme including:

1. 1. Characterisation of raw sediments Physico‑chemical, geotechnical, mineralogical, and micro‑structural analyses. Investigation of critical parameters: particle size distribution, water content, organic matter content, presence of salts and mineral/organic contaminants.
2. 2. Formulation of stabilised mixtures Development of mixtures using various mass ratios. Evaluation of the influence of particle size distribution, initial moisture, and contaminants on stabilisation performance.
3. 3. Mechanical, geotechnical, and durability testing Mechanical properties (uniaxial compression, bearing capacity, modulus evolution). Geotechnical behaviour (swelling, water retention, compaction). Durability assessments (leaching, pollutant immobilisation, water resistance, freeze–thaw resistance). Analysis of ettringite formation and understanding of the associated physico‑chemical mechanisms.
4. 4. Optimisation and innovation Identification of optimal formulations for applications in dikes, embankments, and subgrade layers. Investigation of the potential replacement of OPC with fine recycled aggregates (GRA) in selected formulations.
5. 5. Scientific dissemination Preparation of articles for international peer‑reviewed journals. Participation in conferences and consortium meetings. Contribution to the deliverables of the SED’UP project.

Where to apply

E‑mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• PhD in: Civil Engineering, Materials, Materials Chemistry, Environment, or related discipline.
• Strong skills in materials characterisation, geotechnics, cementitious materials science, or sustainability.
• Excellent command of experimental work: sample preparation, mechanical testing, physicochemical analysis, instrumentation.
• Knowledge of hydraulic binders, CSA binders, soil or waste stabilisation processes is an asset.
• Autonomy, experimental rigour, a sense of innovation and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent writing skills (publications, reports) in French or English.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Excellent

Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

• Commitment to professional equality, diversity and inclusion and addressing gender‑based and sexual violence
• Membership in the EUniWell European Alliance committed to wellness
• Certified HR Excellence in Research since 2022 as part of the HRS4R strategy
• Transport subscription up to 75 % supported
• Sustainable mobility package, in line with the institution’s commitment to sustainable development
• Access to university restaurants with a preferential rate
• Access to sports, university libraries and other activities on campus

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