Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F), air treatment using a combination of photocatalysis and adsorbents

Job Description

Missions

This assignment takes place within the framework of the final phase of the ANR TEXAD project, which aims to develop an innovative, sustainable technology to overcome the drawbacks of existing air purification processes. The person recruited will be responsible for continuing the development of an innovative air purification system, conducting performance evaluation tests, and optimizing its operation.

Activity

Implementation of an air treatment module within a one cubic meter test chamber.
Generation of trace levels of volatile organic compounds (e.g., toluene, formaldehyde) in a humidity-controlled environment.
Gas chromatography analysis using photoionization detectors (PID, PDID).
Optimization of device configuration (arrangement of photocatalyst and adsorbent layers, quantities, etc.).
Optimization of operating cycles (duration, temperature, humidity).
Work under model conditions followed by transition to real-world conditions.
Report writing and communication with partners.
Participation in team and laboratory activities.

Your Profil

Skills

PhD in Chemistry (specializing in inorganic chemistry, process chemistry, and environmental chemistry).
Solid knowledge of photocatalysis for air treatment is required.
Desired skills:
Gas chromatography.
Knowledge of adsorbents and gas adsorption/desorption mechanisms.
Ability to interpret chromatographic data in the context of photocatalysis.
Experimental rigor, autonomy, and the ability to document experimental protocols in a reproducible manner.
Aptitude for collaborative work involving both scientists and industry partners.
Ability to communicate and report scientific results in French and English.

Your Work Environment

The position is based at the Institute of Research on Catalysis and the Environment in Lyon (IRCELYON), located on the Villeurbanne - La Doua campus. The laboratory is a joint research unit between the CNRS and the University of Lyon; it pools expertise in heterogeneous catalysis from the Lyon region to form the largest catalysis laboratory in France and Europe. The laboratory comprises 115 permanent researchers, along with a similar number of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. As an academic research laboratory dedicated entirely to heterogeneous processes, IRCELYON focuses its research activities on sustainable development challenges.
The TEXAD project (self-cleaning adsorbent textile for a sustainable purification system) brings together academic laboratories from Lyon (IRCELYON) and Rennes (LGCGM, ISCR-ENSCR) to collaborate with Brochier Technologies, a company that has been developing self-cleaning optical fiber fabrics for many years. The project aims to combine a photocatalyst and activated carbon on the surface of a light-emitting textile that incorporates heating wires, and to alternate between adsorption, treatment, and regeneration phases.

Constraints and risks

The position involves experimental work in a chemistry laboratory.
The person recruited will be required to handle organic solvents and volatile organic compounds, in compliance with safety procedures and using appropriate protective equipment.
The work may also involve handling fabrics coated with photocatalysts and/or adsorbents in powder or even nanoparticle form.
L'activité pourra également comprendre la manipulation de tissus enduits de photocatalyseurs et/ou d'adsorbants sous forme pulvérulente voire nanoparticulaire.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

from 3071€ gross monthly, depending 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

The research professions