Post-doctoral researcher M/F - Sulfur-Promoted Hydrocracking of Plastic Waste

Job Description

Missions

It has recently been demonstrated that the presence of sulfur—particularly in the form of DMDS—in hydrocracking reactions of compounds derived from plastic waste acts as a promoter and improves conversion.
The primary objective of this postdoctoral research position is to gain a better understanding of and optimize the role of DMDS (and other sulfur sources) as a radical donor in the hydrocracking of commodity plastics, with the aim of improving yield, selectivity, and catalytic stability.
The work will also include understanding the radical mechanisms in the presence of DMDS, H₂S, S⁰, DMS, and TBPS; describing sulfur–catalyst and sulfur–feedstock interactions under hydrogen conditions; optimizing cracking conditions and selectivity (gases, kerosene); to evaluate the influence of the feedstock; to compare hydrocracking with catalytic pyrolysis; and to identify industrial levers (scalability, sulfur recycling, and the impact of recycled gas).

Activity

Conducting catalytic tests in a pressurized reactor in the presence of S; detecting radicals and assessing their stability; determining the impact on polymer conversion; identifying reaction mechanisms; evaluating the acid sites of the catalysts and their behavior (deactivation, coke); measuring catalytic activity and analyzing reaction products; comparison of hydrocracking and catalytic pyrolysis.
One literature review and monthly reports on research results are required. Presentation of results to the supervising team (Arkema and Ircelyon).

Your Profil

Skills

Qualifications: Ph.D. in heterogeneous catalysis, chemical engineering, or chemistry
Experience in heterogeneous catalysis related to characterization techniques would be a plus.
The candidate will be required to present results to the team and colleagues and to provide a literature review and reports on results, including discussion and conclusions.
English (reading, speaking, writing) required.
Interest in the circular economy and low-carbon processes.

Your Work Environment

This experimental research project will be conducted within the CATREN team at the IRCELYON laboratory in collaboration with Arkema. The IRCELYON laboratory is internationally recognized in the field of heterogeneous catalysis and offers the IRCATECH characterization platform. In addition to its expertise in the preparation, characterization, and use of solid catalysts, the CATREN team has extensive expertise in hydroconversion and sulfur-containing catalysis and has developed analytical solutions to characterize complex feedstocks (fuels, bio-oils) and monitor reaction processes.

Constraints and risks

All safety measures in place at IRCELYON, along with expert assessments, will be implemented to ensure that experiments are conducted safely.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3071€ BT/month according 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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