research engineer : heterogeneous catalysis
Organisation/Company ENSICAEN Department Management Research Field Chemistry » Analytical chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 26 Apr 2026 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37 Offer Starting Date 1 Jun 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The Laboratoire de Catalyse et Spectrochimie (LCS) is recruiting a confirmed Research Engineer to join the GALOPER project, funded by the Carnot ESP institute.
The project focuses on the real-time investigation of gallium-based zeolite catalysts (Ga/H-ZSM-5) for the production of aromatics (BTX) and hydrogen, key molecules for the energy transition.
A major challenge is to understand the dynamic evolution, mobility, and reactivity of gallium species under reaction conditions , using advanced in-situ and operando techniques (FTIR, NMR, environmental TEM).
The Research Engineer will play a central role in the experimental work and will be responsible for:
- Synthesis of zeolite-based catalysts (Ga/H-ZSM-5)
- Design and implementation of catalytic tests (gas-phase reactions, propane conversion)
- Coke characterization, extraction, and identification using GC-MS
- Contribution to operando FTIR studies
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Correlation between catalyst structure, reactivity, and deactivation mechanisms
- Participation in project coordination and reporting
The position is based at LCS (Caen, France), in close collaboration with the GPM (Rouen) , within a highly interdisciplinary environment.
Contract duration: 12 months from 1 June 2026
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field Chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Strong and demonstrated expertise in heterogeneous catalysis (mandatory)
- Proven experience in catalytic testing and reactor operation (gas-phase reactions)
- Experience with FTIR spectroscopy (beginner level accepted if strong catalysis background)
- Experience in GC-MS analysis, including coke extraction and identification
- Solid understanding of reaction mechanisms and catalyst deactivation
- Ability to design experiments independently and analyze complex datasets
- Strong skills in data analysis and scientific reporting
- Ability to work autonomously and within a collaborative team
Specific Requirements
- 3–8 years of experience in heterogeneous catalysis (essential)
- Strong expertise in zeolites and hydrocarbon conversion reactions
- Experience with model reactions (e.g. propane, hydrocarbons, aromatization)
- Proven experience in handling catalytic reactors and experimental setups
- Interest in operando/in-situ methodologies
- High level of autonomy and scientific rigor
- Ability to contribute to project coordination and supervision activities
Languages ENGLISH Level Good
Languages FRENCH Level Good
Research Field Chemistry
Additional Information
- The project is part of the Carnot ESP network , promoting strong collaboration with industrial partners (e.g. TotalEnergies, IFPEN, Chevron).
- Access to state-of-the-art platforms in catalysis and operando spectroscopy
- Opportunities for publications, conferences, and international collaborations
Selection process
A complete application must contain:
- Personal letter with a brief description of your research interests and your motivation letter, as well as your contact information
- Copy of the diplomas of your PHD in Chemistry
The subject of your application email must contain the reference of the job offer.
People selected for an interview will be directly contacted by e-mail
Additional comments
The research will be carried out at the Laboratoire Catalyse et Spectrochimie (LCS).
The LCS laboratory is a joint research unit under the auspices of the CNRS (UMR 6506), the University of Caen Normandy and ENSICAEN, the host institution. The LCS is recognized for its research activities, which are organized into two teams: one working on the rational design of porous zeolitic materials for targeted applications (catalysis, adsorption, sensors, medical applications…), and the other focusing on in-situ and operando spectroscopic methods for molecular-scale understanding of catalytic and adsorption phenomena. The person recruited will be inserted in this latter team. The LCS is heavily involved in major energy and pollution abatement projects and has long-standing strong interactions with numerous industrial groups. The laboratory employs over 80 people, including 32 permanent staff (19 researchers, 14 administrative and technical staff). One of the laboratory's strengths also lies in the state-of-the art equipment, original tools and skills developed within its 5 technical platforms (Synthesis; Adsorption Catalysis; NMR; Vibrational Spectroscopy).
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute ENSICAEN-Catalysis and Spectrochemistry Laboratory Country France City CAEN Postal Code 14000 Street 6 boulevard Maréchal Juin Geofield
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