General information
Offer title : PhD Position (M/F): Eco-extraction of Poorly Soluble Molecules Using Supercritical CO₂ from Propolis Extraction Residues (H/F)
Reference : UMR5248-RAPSAV-005
Number of position : 1
Workplace : PESSAC
Date of publication : 08 October 2025
Type of Contract : FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Contract Period : 36 months
Start date of the thesis : 2 February 2026
Proportion of work : Full Time
Remuneration : 2200 € gross monthly
Section(s) CN : 10 - Fluid and reactive environments: transport, transfer, transformation processes
Description of the thesis topic
PhD Offer: Eco-extraction of poorly soluble molecules using supercritical CO₂ from propolis extraction residues
In light of current environmental and societal challenges, the development of new processes aligned with sustainable development is a priority. The valorization of biomass co-products, particularly for producing high-value ingredients in the nutraceutical field, is a rapidly growing area of research.
As part of the collaborative ANR project PROCOP (Valorization of poorly soluble polyphenols from Propolis Co-Product), the CBMN Institute (UMR CNRS / University of Bordeaux / Bordeaux INP) is opening a PhD position.
The PROCOP project is fully committed to a sustainable development approach and aims to valorize propolis co-products using environmentally friendly technologies. The main objective is the extraction and formulation of polyphenols for dietary supplement and nutraceutical markets.
The doctoral research will focus on the first phase of the project, which aims to selectively extract poorly soluble biomolecules, in particular flavonoids, using supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂). Operational conditions will be optimized to preserve their bioactivity while reducing environmental impact. This approach will be compared with more conventional or intensified methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction or pressurized solvent extraction. Among project partners, the extracts will also undergo encapsulation.
This PhD project therefore lies at the intersection of eco-extraction, bio-based materials, and biological evaluation. The candidate will contribute to the development of innovative eco-extraction processes to valorize propolis residues, an underexploited resource. The overarching objective is to design extraction and purification methods for antioxidant compounds using pressurized technologies (supercritical fluids, pressurized solvents).
Main tasks:
Extraction and purification of bioactive compounds from propolis residues,
Chemical characterization and analysis of the isolated molecules,
Contribution to the scientific and applied dissemination of results (publications, presentations, knowledge transfer).
Candidate profile:
Preferably trained inchemical engineering and/or analytical chemistry and/or engineering sciences,
Strong hands-on laboratory experience and interest in experimental work,
Strong motivation for teamwork and good communication skills,
Interest in both academic and applied research,
Sensitivity to issues of sustainable innovation and biomass valorization.
Work Context
PhD project within the framework of the ANR project (PROCOP), in collaboration with the University of Technology of Compiègne and Sorbonne University.
The recruited PhD candidate will join the Institute of Chemistry and Biology of Membranes and Nano-objects (CBMN, UMR 5248 CNRS – University of Bordeaux – Bordeaux INP) and will be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Chemical Sciences of the University of Bordeaux.
Within CBMN, he/she will integrate the Val'actif group, whose research spans from the eco-extraction of molecules of interest (notably through processes involving supercritical or pressurized fluids) to the study of their biological properties via formulation approaches in complex media. Thanks to this interdisciplinary expertise, CBMN is a highly attractive and recognized research hub, both regionally and nationally.
More information: https://www.cbmn.u-bordeaux.fr/
The laboratory is located on the Pessac-Talence-Gradignan campus of the University of Bordeaux, within a particularly dynamic scientific and student environment.
Employee benefits: mobility package, partial coverage of transportation and health insurance costs, and access to a university canteen.
Important notice: The position falls within a sector subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST). Therefore, in accordance with regulations, your appointment must be authorized by the competent authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).
The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.
Constraints and risks
Risks: handling of chemical products and use of pressurized equipment.
Mobility: occasional travel may be required to visit project partners.