Postdoctoral Position: Thermodynamic Modeling of Basalt Carbonation for CO₂ Storage – CETP DecarbFaroe (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Develop and implement an approach coupling experimentation and numerical modeling to predict the effective yield of CO₂ mineralization in basalts—a key process for secure geological CO2 storage—within the framework of the H2020/CETP DecarbFaroe project (/decarbfaroe.fo).

Activity

•Analyze (e.g., optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, EPMA) and interpret experimental data from ongoing and new laboratory experiments on basalt carbonation.
•Develop and refine thermodynamic models (e.g., PHREEQC, Perple_X) to simulate mineral-fluid interactions, audit and improve thermodynamic databases, and generate robust input scripts.
•Integrate experimental results into reactive transport models (e.g., OpenFOAM) to simulate flow, transport, and chemical reactions at the experimental scale.
•Validate and upscale models to predict carbonation kinetics and long-term storage efficiency.
• Publish results as reports and/or scientific articles, attend project meetings, and collaborate with partners for data integration.

Your Profil

Skills

•PhD in geosciences, chemistry or physics, with expertise in geochemical thermodynamics, and a solid background in petrology, crystallography, fluid-rock interactions, and/or hydrodynamics.
•Proven experience in thermodynamic modeling (e.g., PHREEQC, Perple_X) and/or reactive transport modeling (OpenFOAM, TOUGH, etc.), basic knowledge in using Linux and in programming languages (e.g., Python, C++)
•Experience in solid and/or fluid analyses (e.g., optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, EMPA, fluid chemistry) is highly desirable.
•Familiarity with basalt alteration or CO₂ storage is a plus.
•Fluent English (C1 level) and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team. For English speakers, basic knowledge in French is also desirable to fully integrate the GM team.

Your Work Environment

Géosciences Montpellier is a leading research laboratory in Earth and environmental sciences, based in Montpellier, France. As a mixed research unit (UMR) affiliated with the CNRS and the University of Montpellier, the laboratory is dedicated to interdisciplinary research in geosciences, covering the dynamics of the Earth's interior, geohazard assessment, and the study of georesources.
The postdoctoral researcher will join Géosciences within the "Mantle and Interfaces" and "Porous Media Transport" teams. The DecarbFaroe project (H2020/CETP) unites 22 academic and industrial partners to demonstrate CO₂ mineralization in basalts. The position offers a stimulating environment with access to analytical platforms (SEM, XRD, microtomography ESRF) and experimental facilities (ICARE Lab).

Constraints and risks

•Adherence to tight European project deadlines, management of controlled experiments (high P, T), and alignment with industrial partner needs.
•Variability in basalt samples (mineralogical heterogeneity), analytical complexity (reactive phase overlap), and experimental uncertainties. Rigorous experimental practices and close collaboration with lab engineers are essential to mitigate these risks.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From €3,071 gross monthly, adjustable based on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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