Missions

In the framework of the EU-funded ERC project ““Precipitation Triggered Rock Dynamics: the missing mesoscopic link” (PRD-Trigger) you will be in charge of studying the weathering of source rocks or their powder analogues, by means of laboratory testing and X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT). Both conventional and spectral XCT scanning will be exploited, as recent work in our laboratory demonstrated the high potential of spectral XCT for the characterization of rock-forming minerals as well as saline solutions. Building on the experience acquired within the ERC project in studying precipitation-dissolution kinetics and coupled thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical processes, we aim to transfer our developments to studies on source rocks with a high potential for producing natural hydrogen. The postdoc will be in charge of setting up an experimental protocol allowing to observe the chemical and textural evolution of samples in real time in order to elucidate on the most probable reaction(s) triggering the weathering of these source rocks.

Activités

Your principal tasks will consist in:
• designing weathering test protocols
• performing weathering experiments in the laboratory and in X-ray tomography scanners
• exploiting X-ray images to extract quantitative data and interpretation of these data in the context of weathering of source rocks
• writing experimental reports, storage and documenting of the acquired experimental data following the data management plan of PRD-Trigger
• working in collaboration with the PRD-Trigger project engineer and other engineers in the laboratory, as well as with interns
• participating in scientific and vulgarizing communication actions
• writing scientific articles

Compétences

Technical skills:
• expertise in the conception of experimental protocols
• expertise in rock weathering
• expertise in conventional and spectral X-ray imaging
• expertise in image analysis tools such as Dragonfly or Fiji and data analysis tools such as Matlab or Python
• ability to work precisely, compliant with safety regulations
• general interest in material science, geology and geo-engineering

Other skills:
• ability to work in a team
• ability to work autonomously
• proficient in scientific writing and communication
• English: minimum B2 level
• knowledge of French is an asset

Contexte de travail

You will work within the framework of the ERC project PRD-Trigger, led by Dr. Hannelore Derluyn (CNRS Associate Scientist). The research activities are hosted at the Laboratory of Complex Fluids and their Reservoirs (LFCR UMR 5150, lfc.univ-pau.fr) and the Pau Centre for X-ray Imaging (DMEX UAR 3360, imagingcenter.univ-pau.fr) at the University of Pau & Pays Adour (UPPA) in France, on its campus in Pau.

UPPA is a laureate of the French Science Innovation Excellence Initiative I-SITE (one of only 8 universities in France, e2s-uppa.eu). The LFCR consists of about 140 members (80 non-permanent, 45 permanent staff and 15 support staff) and its research focuses on the behavior of fluids and reservoirs, and the coupling between them, from nano to reservoir scale. The multi-disciplinary character of the laboratory is reflected by the research groups of which it consists, working on: (1) geomechanics and porous media, (2) characterization of geological reservoirs, (3) interfaces and dispersed systems and (4) thermophysical properties. The PRD-Trigger project inscribes into the transversal research axes of the laboratory spanning the different research groups, focusing on multi-scale numerical approaches and experimental imaging techniques. DMEX is a service unit, ISO 9001 certified since 2017, whose mission is to provide services related to X-ray imaging and material characterization, both to academic and industrial (TotalEnergies, TEREGA, STORENGY, SAFT,…) partners.

Contraintes et risques

You will be working at an X-ray imaging center and assist in experiments performed at synchrotrons. As such, you will be working with equipment emitting X-ray radiation. At DMEX as well as at synchrotron beamlines, specific safety measures are put in place to protect you from radiation and to monitor potential exposure to radiation. Under correct use, you are not exposed to radiation.

The experiments will make use of chemicals and rocks that have to be manipulated according to the appropriate safety regulations with respect to their harmfulness for the environment and humans. The necessary safety measures and personal protective equipment are present at the laboratory.

Training on radiation safety, chemical safety and rock preparation will be provided at the start of your appointment.

Informations complémentaires

Applications will be studied until a suitable candidate is found. The envisaged starting date is 1/09/2025, for a duration until the end of the PRD-Trigger project, 31/03/2026.

More information on the ERC-project and Dr. Derluyn can be found on:
in English:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4RimsgjwzA
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/850853
in French:
https://insis.cnrs.fr/fr/personne/hannelore-derluyn
https://recherche.univ-pau.fr/_resources/Documents/Emergences/Emergences2019.pdf

More information on moving to Pau, the gateway to the mountain range of the Pyrenees, can be obtained on the website of UPPA's International Welcome Desk:
https://ri.univ-pau.fr/en/international-welcome-desk.html
and on the city's website:
https://www.pau.fr//accueil