Water dynamic in porous media : DYNOSOP M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

Like any liquid, water plays a structural role in the evolution of the physico-chemical properties of materials, particularly in natural and anthropized porous media, where it controls transport, reactivity, and alteration mechanisms. This project aims to develop a conceptual and predictive framework for the dynamics of water and transported solutes in these complex systems, based on an integrated approach that connects interface physico-chemistry, confinement phenomena, and medium heterogeneity.

At the interface between chemistry and environmental sciences, this program seeks to address major challenges related to the coupling of interfacial properties—which govern nanoscale transfers—and transport dynamics at the scale of natural environments. Particular attention will be given to the fundamental mechanisms of aqueous phase-solid interface interactions (adsorption, structuring, reactivity), while explicitly accounting for the variability of real-world systems (soils, sediments, weathered rocks). In this context, though not exclusively, the project could include the study of emerging contaminants such as nanoplastics or persistent pollutants transported by water flows in soils. The ambition is to understand, from a physico-chemical perspective, their origin, speciation, mobility, colloidal stability, interactions with mineral and organic interfaces, and fate in heterogeneous and dynamic environments.

This issue represents a strong convergence point between societal challenges (diffuse pollution) and fundamental questions in the analysis of complex systems.

Summary of the teaching project

The research theme of this tenure track position can be adapted across the targeted universities in France, depending on the recruitment location. The selected candidate could, in particular, contribute to teaching in physical chemistry or theoretical calculations at the bachelor's or master's level, aligned with their expertise.

Potential host facilities

• INC - CNRS Chimie
• - Géosciences Rennes
• ISCR - Institut des sciences chimiques de Rennes
• IC2MP - Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers
• METIS - Milieux Environnementaux, Transferts et Interactions dans les hydrosystèmes et les Sols

Your Profil

Profile Required

Holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific qualifications or carried out scientific work deemed to be of an equivalent level.There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability

Your Work Environment

Host Lab Strategy

The targeted laboratories host renowned teams in the characterization of liquid-solid interfaces and the applications of porous solids, including water and contaminant transfers between groundwater-river, soil-groundwater, and soil-biosphere systems in the critical zone. For each of these laboratories, strengthening the thematic focus of this project will enhance France's international visibility in this field.

Regardless of the host laboratory, the approach will rely on a close integration of:
(a) cutting-edge experimental developments in both model and complex environments ;
(b) in situ and field investigations to ensure the representativeness of observations ; (c) original analytical developments, as well as theoretical and multiscale modeling approaches, aimed at establishing predictive behavioral laws. This strategy will link fine-scale physico-chemical observables to integrated quantities relevant to the geosciences.

Institution Strategy

Inorganic networks such as clays and zeolites are significantly impacted by the presence of water. These materials—whether naturally abundant or synthetically produced—are central to numerous phenomena, including adsorption, catalytic activity, contaminant transport, and desalination. These application domains require a comprehensive characterization of water/solid systems, aligning with one of the CNRS's thematic priorities: controlling fluids at all scales.

From the nanometric to the macroscopic scale, the behavior of fluids—regardless of their nature—demands both experimental and theoretical studies. The socio-economic stakes are substantial, particularly in addressing sustainable development challenges such as wastewater filtration, soil and water remediation, and seawater desalination.

This project positions itself as a structural bridge between CNRS Sciences and Universe and CNRS Chemistry, integrating a mechanistic approach rooted in chemistry with a broader perspective on natural systems. Ultimately, it aims to advance our understanding of environmental porous media and provide tools for assessing and managing contaminant transport. Expanding the scope to other fluids, interfaces, and multiphase systems will open wide-ranging perspectives in both environmental sciences and physical chemistry.

International Strategy

The scientific community working on the dynamic characterization of water within solids and porous media deserves to be strengthened, given the fundamental and applied importance of this field. From a fundamental perspective, it is crucial for understanding processes from the microscopic scale to soil-groundwater transfers, as well as dynamics in the hyporheic zone and at the water-soil-biosphere interface. On the applied side, it is equally vital for sustainable development, particularly in areas such as groundwater recharge.

The development of techniques for tracking fluid and solute dynamics, along with multiscale theoretical calculations, is therefore essential. To concentrate efforts and expand expertise in this area, it is necessary to provide targeted university training and to recruit talented scientists who are already experienced in this field.

Recruiting a highly qualified early-career researcher with strong international experience is facilitated by the CPJ (tenure track) program, which is both attractive and designed to provide appropriate support for the laureate to launch their project. This project should also help foster networking within a community at the interface between two CNRS institutes (Chemistry and Earth & Universe), which currently appears somewhat fragmented.

Strengthening this nationally and European-relevant thematic area should, in the short term, facilitate the formation of European networks.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Annual salary from 54 600 Euros to 57 800 Euros depending on professionnal experience.

Total funding

200k€

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€

Research Policy

Open Science

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

Science and society

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project’s socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Scientific dissemination

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

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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