Research Engineer – Process development and scale-up of bio-based molecule conversions

The European CERISEA project aims to develop sustainable processes that can be scaled up to pilot scale for the production and processing of bio-based molecules derived from biomass, in particular HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural), DFF (2,5-diformylfuran) and their functional derivatives (e.g. bismethylaminofuran, BAMF) for use in bio-based materials.

In particular, it aims to contribute to the development of an industrial demonstrator for HMF production in Europe, with a view to decarbonising industry and replacing fossil resources with renewable alternatives.

The project is part of a collaborative initiative bringing together academic and industrial partners (ARKEMA, the University of Poitiers, MICHELIN Engineered Polymers, IFPEN, etc.) with a view to pilot-scale demonstration (TRL 4–5) and the formulation of end products.

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

In this context, the engineer recruited will participate in the development, optimisation and upscaling of chemical conversion processes, with a strong focus on scale-up and process integration.

• Be part of an innovative project

• Contribute to major technological advances

• Use your technical expertise to solve complex challenges and develop innovative solutions

• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team and enjoy a stimulating and rewarding working environment.

Your responsibilities

The research engineer will play an active role in the CERISEA project, focusing on process development, scale-up and the technical management of experiments.

YOUR ACTIVITIES

• Contribute to the scale-up of chemical transformations of bio-based molecules, from the laboratory to pilot-scale.

• Design, implement and optimise chemical transformation processes (batch and/or continuous).

• Carry out material and process balances, analyse performance and identify technical bottlenecks.

• Help to structure and organise pilot-scale experimental campaigns.

• Ensure experimental traceability and monitor process indicators (yields, selectivity, productivity, material balances).

• Contribute to the development and integration of pilot units (reactors, filtration, evaporation, purification, etc.).

• Carry out analytical monitoring of experiments (GC, HPLC, IR, NMR, physicochemical analyses).

• Organise, analyse and interpret experimental data.

• Interpret the chemical transformations observed and contribute to understanding the reaction mechanisms and process limitations.

• Participate in technical meetings with academic and industrial partners within the European consortium.

• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate interns and contribute to their scientific and experimental supervision.

• Contribute to the drafting of technical reports and deliverables for the European project.

Further information

Application dates

From 30/07/2026 to 31/08/2026

Contract type and expected start date

Fixed-term contract – expected duration of 13 months, with the possibility of extension – to start in September or October 2026

Gross monthly salary

Depending on experience and funding

Working hours

37 hours and 30 minutes per week – 1,607 hours per year

Keywords

Green chemistry, biomass utilisation, process engineering, scale-up, HMF, DFF, continuous processes, reactors, material balances, sustainable chemistry, bio-based materials

The role will suit both a motivated young engineer wishing to develop expertise in scale-up and a more experienced candidate or PhD holder wishing to develop their career in an environment focused on industrial transfer.

Qualifications

Engineering degree, Master’s (M2) or PhD

Field

Process engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, green chemistry or a related field.

Experience

Entry-level candidates will be considered if they demonstrate strong motivation for process development and scale-up.

Experience (internship, work-study programme, PhD thesis or employment) in chemical processes, sustainable chemistry, reactors, separation or biomass recovery would be an advantage.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of process engineering, process chemistry or laboratory/pilot-scale experimentation.

• A good grounding in organic chemistry would be an asset, to understand the chemical transformations involved, the associated reaction mechanisms and any degradation phenomena.

• Knowledge of design of experiments (DoE) would be an advantage.

• Good command of scientific and technical English (French is a plus).

Technical skills

• A keen interest in the development of chemical processes and scale-up.

• The ability or motivation to carry out material balances and process analyses.

• Familiarity with analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, IR, NMR) would be an advantage.

• Skills or experience relating to chemical processes (e.g. flow chemistry, unit operations such as filtration, evaporation or extraction, multiphase processes, etc.) would be an advantage, though are not essential.

Personal Skills

• Independence, attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Initiative and the ability to solve technical problems.

• Team spirit and the ability to work collaboratively.

• Ability to thrive in an international collaborative environment.

Assets

• Experience in collaborative academic, industrial or European projects.

• Interest in industrial commercialisation and technology transfer.