Contract researcher in biomass valorization

The University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher (fixed-term) for the AgriBioPack project, within the Department of Industrial Process Engineering (GPI) – Integrated Transformations of Renewable Matter laboratory (TIMR UTC–ESCOM). The AgriBioPack project focuses on the valorization of agri-food by-products. This position is funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR).

Mission

The recruited researcher will carry out research for the AgriBioPack project:

Valorizing Agri-food Residues for Bio-based Packaging Solutions.

Activities

• Optimize extraction and separation processes for target molecules

• Develop and implement pretreatment, extraction, and separation processes

• Develop and implement analytical techniques to characterize molecules of interest and formulated products

• Contribute to data compilation and analysis

• Improve the performance of the developed extraction techniques

• Write progress reports and disseminate results through communications and publications

• Take part in meetings with project partners and present results

• Contribute to supervising students

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS

Contract type and anticipated starting date

Fixed-term contract - expected to last 18-months. From November 2025 to May 2027

Salary

According to experience and funding

Working time

1,607 hours/year (full-time)

Working environment and context

The position is based in the Department of Industrial Process Engineering, Integrated Transformations of Renewable Matter laboratory (TIMR UTC–ESCOM). TIMR develops, validates, and implements knowledge and know-how for processes and reactions transforming renewable matter. Its research addresses scientific and technological challenges as well as current societal issues related to the optimal use of resources and the renewal of industrial processes in a sustainable development approach. The AgriBioPack project is funded by the ANR under the PRIMA program. The postdoctoral researcher will report to the AgriBioPack scientific coordinator and maintain regular dialogue and close collaboration with all project partners.

Some travel may be required.

Degree and training required

• Degree : doctorate

• Field of study: process engineering and/or chemistry

Knowledge

• Mastery of biomass handling methodologies

• Mastery of formulation and characterization of edible films and food packaging

• Extraction processes for molecules such as polyphenols, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin

• Pretreatments for cell wall disruption

• Raw-material fractionation techniques

• Knowledge of microbiology (desired)

• Analytical techniques

• Unit operations such as pressing and high-pressure processing (desired)

• Project management methodology

• Written and oral communication techniques

• Excellent command of French and English (B2 to C1)

Operational skills

• Molecular extraction processes

• Biomass treatment using emerging technologies (ultrasound, microwaves, etc.)

• Molecule separation processes

• Ability to lead a project

• Ability to draft reports, publications, and synthesis documents in English

• Teamwork skills

Interpersonal skills

• Conceptual thinking

• Adaptability

• Organizational ability

• Initiative and innovation

• Good listening skills and interpersonal ease