Researcher in Transformation of Biomass-Derived Furanic Compounds

The University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) is recruiting a contract researcher F/H for the CERISEA project in the Transformations Intégrées de la Matière Renouvelable (TIMR UTC - ESCOM) laboratory - Industrial Process Engineering (GPI) department.

The main aim of the CERISEA project is to design and build a HMF production demonstrator in Europe.

CERISEA | Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)

Within the TIMR UTC-ESCOM team, the CERISEA project aims to develop sustainable and scalable processes for the conversion of HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) into DFF (2,5-diformylfuran) and derivatives such as BAMF and BAMTHF, targeting applications in bio-based materials. It is part of a responsible chemistry approach, in response to a growing societal demand for transparency, health and environmental safety, in connection with international initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Led by ResiCare, which develops high-performance resins without toxic substances, the project aims to position France as a key player in this strategic field. It contributes to the industry decarbonization objective set out in the France 2030 plan and aims to enhance the resilience of the sector against international competition, particularly from Asia. The development of an industrial demonstrator for HMF production will capitalize on feedback and optimize future units, thanks to an innovative process designed with IFPEN.

The work will be structured in two phases over 12 to 24 months:

1. Stability and solubility studies

2. Oxidation and functionalization reactions

Mission

The hired person will make an active contribution to the CERISEA project, particularly to studies on stability, solubility, and chemical transformations.

Activities

• Carry out systematic evaluation of the stability of HMF and DFF (light, humidity, temperature, atmosphere)

• Carry out thermogravimetric and solubility analyses in various solvents, including green ones

• Carry out analyses by GC, HPLC, IR, etc.

• Develop a sustainable method for converting HMF into DFF (non-toxic catalysts, green solvents)

• Participate in the transformation of DFF into BAMF and BAMTHF via amination and reduction steps

• Possibly integrate continuous flow or solid phase approaches.

Keywords

Green chemistry, biomass valorization, HMF, DFF, BAMF, oxidation, solubility, sustainable solvents, bio-based materials

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Type of contract and expected recruitment date

Fixed-term contract - expected to last from 13 to 24 months - to be filled in September 2025

Gross monthly Salary

According to experience and funding

Hours worked

1,607 hours/year

Working environment and context

The activity is carried out within the Industrial Process Engineering Department - Integrated Transformations of Renewable Materials Laboratory (TIMR UTC-ESCOM).

https://www.utc.fr/en/research/utc-research-units/integrated-transformation-of-renewable-matter-timr/

The purpose of TIMR is to develop, validate and implement knowledge and know-how for renewable material transformation processes and reactions. The research activities are in line with scientific and technological issues, as well as current societal challenges linked to optimising the use of resources and renewing industrial processes, in line with a sustainable development approach (https://timr.utc.fr/). The laboratory's activities are part of the Bioeconomy For Change (B4C) competitiveness cluster.

The project is part of a collaborative effort involving academic and industrial partners (ARKEMA, Université de Poitiers, MEP, etc.), with prospects for scaling up (TRL5-6) and formulating end products.

The CERISEA project is a Horizon Europe project, co-funded by the European Union, delegated to the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking, and coordinated by MICHELIN ENGINNERED POLYMERS (MEP).

CERISEA | Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)

Proven experience in biomass conversion, catalysis or oxidation chemistry is expected

Diploma, training and accreditation

Degree: PhD, doctorate

Fields of study: organic chemistry, green chemistry, and process engineering skills

Knowledge, fields of expertise and operational Skills

• Green and sustainable chemistry

• Biomass valorization and furan-based platform molecules

• Analytical chemistry (HPLC, GC, spectroscopy)

• Oxidation reactions, solvent selection

• Mastery of analytical techniques: GC, HPLC, IR/NMR

• Experience in process development and solvent selection

• Good knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE) is highly desirable

• Experience in continuous flow or heterogeneous catalysis appreciated

• Good level of English, basic level of French appreciated

Behavioural Skills

• Autonomy, thoroughness, and problem-solving ability

• Team spirit

• Collaborative skills

Additional Assets

• Affinity for entrepreneurship (start-ups)

• Publications in relevant fields