Research Engineer or Post-doctoral Researcher in Process Engineering / Bioprocess Engineering

Centrale Nantes; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in France seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to a project on bioprecipitated coatings for marine concrete structures. This role focuses on the implementation and monitoring of bioprecipitation processes and requires strong skills in bioprocess engineering. The position starts in February 2025 and offers a flexible duration of 6 to 8 months, based in Saint-Nazaire.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in bioprocess or process engineering.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Interest in interdisciplinary projects.

Responsabilités

• Implement and improve the bioprecipitation process.
• Monitor bioprecipitation parameters.
• Collaborate with the IR2 engineer/postdoc.
• Contribute to the modeling of the bioprecipitation reaction.
• Lead meetings between partner laboratories.
• Contribute to the LCA group and techno-economic analysis.
• Disseminate results within communities.

Connaissances

Bioprocess engineering

Process engineering

Communication skills

Teamwork

Formation

PhD or equivalent

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Centrale Nantes Department GeM UMR 6183 Research Field Engineering » Process engineering Engineering » Biomaterial engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 3 Dec 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2025 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 development of marine renewable energies, increasing production relies on complex structures, such as Floatgen’s reinforced concrete floating platform. These structures are exposed to harsh environmental conditions (chloride penetration, cracking), which makes it necessary to seek innovative solutions to improve their durability. The self-healing of cementitious materials using micro-organisms—particularly through carbon biomineralization via the precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)—is attracting growing interest. The development of bio-inspired processes, based on calcifying phytoplankton, remains largely unexplored and could help strengthen the resistance of structures in marine environments.

Within the framework of a collaboration between the GeM and GEPEA laboratories, initial studies have been carried out to create coatings using calcifying microalgae. However, the protective effectiveness of these layers with respect to the cementitious matrix has not yet been demonstrated. Furthermore, no study has addressed the economic and sustainability aspects related to implementing the process in an industrial context.

The ACE Project

The ACE project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of calcifying microalgae in forming a protective coating on concrete in marine environments and to assess its industrial feasibility. The objective is to analyze the efficiency of this barrier against external aggressions and to establish quality criteria (thickness, structure, composition). Initial eco-design approaches will also be explored.

Project Organization

Two engineers/postdoctoral researchers will be recruited to carry out three complementary work packages:

• Production of a bioprecipitated layer on concrete specimens, using an original demonstrator previously developed, exploration of key parameters, and alternative formulations incorporating construction waste (position 1).
• Advanced characterization of the coating (chemical analyses and durability tests) (position 2).
• Techno-economic analysis and LCA (positions 1 and 2, within an interdisciplinary working group).

This job offer concerns position 1.

Missions

• Implement and improve the bioprecipitation process
• Monitor the main bioprecipitation parameters (biomass growth, ionic concentrations, dissolved carbon, pH)
• Collaborate closely with the IR2 engineer/postdoc to ensure transfer and characterization of the produced coatings (chemical and mechanical properties, durability)
• Depending on interest, contribute to the modeling of the bioprecipitation reaction
• Lead follow-up meetings between partner laboratories
• Contribute to the LCA working group and the techno-economic analysis
• Disseminate results within the scientific and industrial communities

Desired Profile

• Training or significant experience in bioprocess engineering or process engineering
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary projects at the interface of biotechnology, materials, and the environment

The position is available starting January/February 2025, for a duration of 6 to 8 months (depending on profile).

The position is located at Saint-Nazaire (France)

Partner Laboratories

• Institute of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (GeM) – UMR 6183 – Centrale Nantes, Nantes Université, CNRS

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Process engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Desired Profile

• Training or significant experience in bioprocess engineering or process engineering
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary projects at the interface of biotechnology, materials, and the environment