Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) in Valorization of Paraffin Waxes from Slow Pyrolysis of Hydro-pulped Solid Residues for Elastomeric Applications
New
- Researcher in FTC
- 12 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Centre de recherche d'Albi en génie des procédés des solides divisés, de l'énergie et de l'environnement
Contract Type
Researcher in FTC
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
81013 ALBI
Contract Duration
12 months
Date of Hire
01/03/2027
Remuneration
3041 € – 4216 € gross/month (depending on experience)
Apply Application Deadline : 23 November 2026 23:59
Job Description
Missions
In France, multilayer packaging (such as Tetra Pak® food cartons) is primarily composed of cardboard (70–75%), polyethylene (20–25%), and aluminum (5%). After hydro-pulping to recover cellulose fibers, the solid residues (polyAl) are currently mostly incinerated or mechanically recycled (e.g., urban furniture, pallets) with low added value.
The WAXUP project, funded under the PEPR Recycling program (France 2030), proposes an innovative chemical recycling route: slow pyrolysis of these residues to produce high-value paraffin waxes for use in elastomer formulations (e.g., tires). This approach should enable: 1) valorizing plastic waste (polyethylene) into industrially usable products; 2) reducing the carbon footprint by replacing fossil-based waxes with recycled waxes; and 3) developing sustainable elastomers with mechanical properties and ozone protection comparable to virgin materials.
Activity
The candidate will contribute to three main axes:
• Optimization of condensation systems: Development of a modular, staged condensation chain integrating an electro-precipitator (to capture wax aerosols) and a falling-film fractionating condenser (to separate waxes from oxygenated compounds derived from cellulose fibers).
• Optimization of parameters (temperature, flow rate) to maximize the purity and yield of the waxes.
• Characterization of produced waxes: Study of the influence of pyrolysis and condensation temperatures on the structural and molecular properties of waxes (molar mass, branching degree) via GPC, XRD, analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC-MS).
• Integration into elastomers: Incorporation of non-purified waxes into model elastomer formulations (natural rubber, polybutadiene, fillers); Evaluation of their effect on rheological properties (lubrication during mixing) and their migration capacity for anti-ozonant protection.
Your Profil
Skills
The candidate must hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with confirmed experience in pilot-scale thermochemistry (fixed-bed reactors, product analysis) and have solid experience in material characterization (GPC, XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, DSC). Transversal skills in English are required for writing articles and facilitating exchanges with our international collaborator, the Federal University of ABC (Brazil), to ensure elastomer formulation.
Your Work Environment
The candidate will work at the RAPSODEE Center at IMT Mines Albi on wax production and will collaborate with the team at the Federal University of ABC (Brazil). Visits may be scheduled. The integration of results and synthesis will be conducted jointly by the two laboratories.
Application Procedures: Required Documents: Cover Letter (1–2 pages), Detailed CV (with list of publications, patents, and scientific achievements), Letters of Recommendation (minimum 2) or contact details of scientific references, Thesis Summary (1 page maximum)
Constraints and risks
The candidate will receive training in Hygiene, Safety, and Environment across all positions.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
3041 € – 4216 € gross/month (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
| Offer reference | UMR5302-MARCAR-001 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Fluid and reactive environments: transport, transfer, transformation processes |
| Relevant experience | 1 to 4 years |
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.
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