Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) – Development of an Innovative Electrochemical Process for PFAS Destruction in Water

Job Description

Missions

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a family of highly persistent contaminants widely found in water resources and industrial effluents. Their exceptional chemical stability makes their removal and destruction particularly challenging. Conventional treatment processes, such as activated carbon adsorption or certain membrane technologies, mainly transfer or concentrate PFAS rather than destroy them.
Within the framework of a technology pre-maturation project aimed at developing an innovative PFAS treatment technology, we are developing an advanced electrochemical process to degrade and ultimately mineralize PFAS directly in water. A key aspect of the project is the development of innovative, durable, and low-cost electrodes.
The objective of the postdoctoral project will be to contribute to the development, optimization, and validation of these electrode materials and of the electrochemical process, from fundamental studies to their integration into a continuous-flow treatment prototype.

Activity

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in the different stages of the project, including:
- Development and optimization of electrode materials.
- Fabrication and physicochemical and electrochemical characterization of electrodes.
- Investigation of the mechanisms involved in PFAS degradation.
- Optimization of process operating parameters, including current density, electrode materials, treatment time, flow rate, effluent composition, and hydrodynamic conditions.
- Evaluation of process efficiency for different PFAS compounds and representative aqueous matrices.
- Investigation of PFAS degradation pathways and identification of intermediate and final transformation products.
- Assessment of PFAS mineralization and removal of organic fluorine.
- Investigation of electrode stability, durability, and regeneration.
- Integration of the different technological components into a continuous-flow system.
- Contribution to the development and validation of a prototype capable of treating several liters of water per day.
- Assessment of the energy efficiency and environmental performance of the process.
- Dissemination and valorization of the results through scientific publications, conference presentations and, where appropriate, intellectual property protection and technology transfer activities.

Particular attention will be paid to reducing energy consumption and improving electrode stability in order to develop a technology compatible with future transfer to industrial applications.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate should hold a PhD in chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry, process engineering, environmental chemistry, or a related field.
Strong experience in one or more of the following areas will be particularly valued:
- Electrochemistry and electrochemical processes.
- Advanced electrochemical oxidation.
- Synthesis and characterization of electrode materials.
- Carbon-based materials and/or metal oxides.
- Electrochemical water treatment.
- Degradation of persistent organic contaminants.
- Membrane processes and pollutant pre-concentration.
- Reactor development and optimization.
- Experience with electrochemical and physicochemical characterization techniques for materials will be an advantage.
- Experience in PFAS analysis, particularly using chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, will be appreciated but is not essential.
The candidate should demonstrate a high degree of scientific independence and be able to design and optimize experiments, critically analyze results, and propose new experimental strategies.

Your Work Environment

The European Institute of Membranes (Institut Européen des Membranes – IEM, ENSCM, University of Montpellier, CNRS UMR 5635) is an internationally recognized research institute in the field of membrane materials and processes. Its research activities are based on multidisciplinary and multiscale approaches, particularly in the following areas:
- Development and characterization of advanced materials.
- Development of membranes and separation processes.
- Water and wastewater treatment.
- Electrochemical processes and advanced treatment technologies.
- Development of innovative solutions for environmental remediation.
The postdoctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary team working on new technologies for the treatment of emerging contaminants at the interface of materials chemistry, electrochemistry, membrane processes, and process engineering.
The project also has a strong technology transfer and innovation dimension, with the long-term objective of developing a modular PFAS treatment solution suitable for transfer to a start-up company.

Constraints and risks

RAS

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

from €3071.05 gross per 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

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