Postdoctoral researcher in chemical engineering (M/F)

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire de Chimie Moléculaire Research Field Engineering Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 25 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 10 Oct 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

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the deployment and optimization of the XSeaO2 floating demonstrator, an integrated platform for capturing and valorizing CO2 dissolved in aquatic environments, coupled with the production of e-fuels (methanol, DME) via thermochemical hydrogenation. The main missions include:

- Leading the development of installations: Supervising the design, assembly, and commissioning of key modules (electrolysis, electrochemical CO2 capture, catalytic reactor); Coordinating subsystems (floating photovoltaics, energy management, etc.).- Performance optimization: Characterization and improvement of the catalytic reactor; Analysis of deactivation mechanisms; Experimental validation of kinetic models.- Evaluation of key metrics: Energy efficiency; CO2 conversion; Selectivity toward methanol/DME.- Carbon footprint assessment and techno-economic analysis.- Project management and valorization: Writing technical reports and scientific publications; Participating in the dissemination of results (conferences, workshops) and seeking additional funding.

Experimental:- Catalytic testing in fixed-bed reactors.- Catalyst characterization (XRD, SEM-EDX, BET, He pycnometry, FT-IR).- Product analysis using gas chromatography (GC-FID/TCD).

Modeling and Simulation:- Use and improvement of the XSeaO2 pilot model (software: Aspen Plus, Python, COMSOL).- Simulation of recycling scenarios (unconverted CO₂/H₂ loops) and energy integration (PV-electrolysis coupling).

Collaborative:- Collaboration with teams from the Interdisciplinary Center E4C (IP Paris) and industrial partners.- Potential supervision of students (Master's, interns) on sub-projects.

The postdoctoral researcher will join a dynamic team within the CNRS, at the heart of the XSeaO2 project, a flagship initiative of the Institut Polytechnique de Paris aimed at developing an autonomous floating platform for capturing and valorizing CO2 dissolved in aquatic environments. This innovative project, at the intersection of catalysis, renewable energies, and process engineering, offers a stimulating work environment with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including pilot reactors, advanced analytical tools (GC, XRD, SEM, etc.), and close collaboration with academic and industrial partners. The research center fosters a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment conducive to innovation. The candidate will benefit from high-quality scientific supervision, with opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops in the fields of e-fuels and decarbonization.

Expertise:- PhD in Process Engineering, Heterogeneous Catalysis, or Sustainable Chemistry (ideally with experience in CO2 valorization).- Proficiency in catalytic reactors (design, operation, data analysis) and characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, etc.).- In-depth knowledge of reaction thermodynamics (CO2 hydrogenation, rWGS, methanol/DME synthesis) and chemical kinetics (LHHW models, parameter estimation).- Experience in process modeling (Aspen Plus, Python, or equivalent) and techno-economic analysis.

Additional Assets:- Experience with Power-to-X systems or electrolyzers (PEM, SOEC).- Knowledge of decarbonization challenges (CCUS, RFNBO, European regulations).- Skills in data science (optimization via genetic algorithms, Bayesian optimization, etc.).

Soft Skills:- Autonomy and rigor: Ability to manage complex projects under technical and time constraints.- Team spirit: Collaboration with diverse profiles (chemists, engineers, economists).- Scientific English: Fluent level (writing papers, presentations).