Research Engineer – Scientific Mission

Université d'Avignon et des pays de Vaucluse; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A French university in France is seeking a dedicated Research Engineer specializing in eco-extraction processes. The successful candidate will develop innovative methods using bio-based solvent alternatives while working within a collaborative research environment. Responsibilities include optimizing extraction techniques and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This full-time position offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research addressing sustainability in chemistry, particularly within the EXVALBIO project.

Qualifications

• Must have experience in eco-extraction and using bio-based solvents.
• Experience with physicochemical analyses is preferred.
• Strong scientific writing ability for reports and publications.

Responsabilités

• Develop eco-extraction processes using alternative solvents.
• Design and optimize eco-efficient extraction approaches.
• Ensure compliance with safety rules when handling chemical products.
• Contribute to technical supervision of interns and PhD students.

Connaissances

Development of eco-extraction processes using bio-based solvents

Design and optimization of integrated extraction approaches

Strong understanding of physicochemical analyses

Ability to write reports and scientific publications

Formation

Master's or higher in Chemistry or related field

Outils

Extraction equipment

Laboratory protocols

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Université d'Avignon et des pays de Vaucluse Department L’UMR Sécurité et Qualité des Produits d’Origine Végétale (SQPOV) Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Other Positions Country France Application Deadline 19 Jan 2026 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 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

Scientific assignment contract – Article L.431-6 of the Research Code

The Agrosciences, Environment, and Health Institute (AgES) at Avignon University offers undergraduate and professional degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates, and conducts research through seven research laboratories. The Institute comprises six teaching and research centers (CER), an EUR "Implantéus," and a metabolomics platform that promotes collaboration and cross-disciplinary work between the fields of education and research. The AgES Institute is spread across two sites: the Jean-Henri Fabre Campus (three buildings) and the Hannah Arendt Campus (sports center). The administration is divided into three areas: General Affairs, Management and CER, Studies and Schooling. Key figures: 1,620 students, 46 BIATSS staff, 124 teachers/researchers.

Work Environment and Context

1. Description of the research project or operation within which the missions entrusted to the agent are included:

The Joint Research Unit Security and Quality of Plant Products (SQPOV) brings together expertise in physical chemistry, food technologies, sustainable processes, and valorization of agricultural resources. Within this unit, the GREEN team is internationally recognized for its expertise in eco-extraction, alternative solvents, process intensification, co-product valorization, and extraction of high-value natural molecules.

The position is part of the ODR EXVALBIO project, dedicated to the substitution of petrochemical solvents (particularly hexane) with bio-based alternatives in line with European sustainability, safety, and ecological transition challenges.

The EXVALBIO project aims to:

• Develop innovative eco-extraction processes using bio-based alternative solvents
• Design integrated extraction-purification approaches
• Optimize the valorization of agro-food co-products
• Study the quality, functionality, and stability of produced natural extracts
• Transfer processes to pilot or pre-industrial scale

The project supports the structural research activities of the GREEN team and contributes to the scientific strategy of the SQPOV unit within the AgroSciences axis of Avignon University.

2. Description of the expected results for which the contract is to be concluded with the agent:

The expected results are:

• The development and optimization of robust, reproducible, and transferable eco-extraction processes
• The generation of characterized natural extracts (composition, purity, functionality)
• The development of associated analytical and technological protocols
• Scientific (publications, reports, communications) and technological (transferable protocols, collaborations) valorization
• Participation in the influence of the GREEN team in the field of alternative solvents

3. Precise description of the event or objective result determining the end of the contractual relationship:

The contract ends upon completion of the missions entrusted to the agent within the framework of the research operation and upon achievement of the expected results mentioned above.

The contract may be terminated when the project or operation for which this contract was concluded cannot be carried out.

The absence of funding (research contracts, ANR projects, European projects, industrial partnerships) related to this research operation will also be a marker of the end of the contractual relationship.

4. Methods for evaluating and monitoring the achievement of this result:

• Annual progress reports
• Indicators: extraction yields, process transfer, scientific valorization, collaboration with partners
• Final report submitted to Avignon University

Your Missions:

The Research Engineer will conduct the following missions:

• Develop eco-extraction processes using bio-based alternative solvents
• Design and optimize integrated eco-efficient extraction-purification approaches
• Explore the substitution of petrochemical solvents with sustainable alternatives
• Valorize agro-food co‑products through green processes
• Study the stability, quality, and functionality of produced extracts
• Contribute to the adaptation of processes to pilot or pre-industrial scale
• Ensure traceability, safety implementation, and development of laboratory protocols
• Participate in the writing of reports, publications, protocols, and deliverables
• Contribute to the technical supervision of interns and PhD students

Reporting Structure:

The agent works under the scientific responsibility of Maryline Abert‑Vian, Professor, head of the EXVALBIO project, and in interaction with researchers, engineers, and PhD students of the SQPOV unit.

Working Conditions:

The agent will carry out their missions mainly within the laboratories of the SQPOV unit, in a chemistry and process engineering environment involving the use of extraction equipment and physicochemical analyses. These activities require strict compliance with hygiene and safety rules, particularly when handling chemical products. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers, engineers, PhD students, and laboratory interns, as well as with academic and industrial partners. Occasional travel may be required for conducting pilot‑scale tests or for participation in scientific coordination meetings.

Special Constraints:

The position involves certain constraints related to intensive experimentation periods, particularly during extraction campaigns or scale‑up phases, which may require a more intensive work schedule. The agent will also need to contribute to the collective tasks of the laboratory and constantly ensure that their activities comply with safety rules and internal protocols. Great rigor will be expected in the traceability of experiments and the management of sensitive equipment.