PhD (M/F) Development of an innovative catalytic process for the production of bio-based oligomers by hydroconversion of lignin

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Within the framework of the PEPR B-BEST program (https://www.pepr-bioproductions.fr/), the Première Ligne project aims to develop a continuous process for converting lignin under hydrogen pressure to produce valuable oligomeric molecules. This project is being carried out in collaboration between IRCELYON, LRGP, and IFPEN. The ambition of the PEPR B-BEST program is to develop sustainable technologies for the valorization of biomass for the chemical and energy sectors.

Lignin is a biopolymer constituent of lignocellulosic biomass, rich in phenolic motifs with a composition and size that depend on the type of extraction process used and the nature of the biomass. It is one of the few renewable sources of aromatic compounds. One of the challenges for its valorization is to achieve targeted depolymerization of lignin into functionalized aromatic molecules. The other challenge is to develop a conversion process that achieves a product yield exceeding 20% ​​when many technological pathways are limited, and to be able to implement it continuously.

The objectives of this PhD research are:

i) to improve the understanding of the role of the solvent and conversion products in the lignin depolymerization process,
ii) to study the reactivity and kinetics of the reactions in a semi-open gas reactor,

iii) to intensify the development of structured catalysts on open-porosity solids (e.g., foam) to develop an innovative reactor.

The successful candidate will synthesize and characterize heterogeneous catalysts, drawing on the skills and expertise of IRCELYON. They will implement the reaction in a pressurized reactor with lignins from various sources and will analyze the feedstocks (lignin and products) in detail. She will study reaction kinetics to better understand the physicochemical phenomena and reaction mechanisms that occur during lignin conversion.

The successful candidate will work closely with our partner IFPEN on kinetic and reactor modeling, and also with the LRGP in Nancy to jointly translate the thesis results into a fully continuous process (solid, liquid, and gas).
This PhD research will be primarily experimental, requiring analytical techniques, solid synthesis, and the implementation of reactions under pressure. The candidate will possess strong knowledge in the field of chemistry/process engineering and/or catalysis (Master's level or engineering school background). They will have a keen interest in the experimental domain.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will be supervised by a team with complementary skills in catalysis, reactivity, analysis, and reaction engineering, possessing internationally recognized expertise in lignin conversion. They will benefit from an excellent environment, both technically, with numerous platforms, and scientifically, within the IRCELYON institute.

The PhD will begin on October 1, 2026, and will last 36 months. It will be conducted at our IRCELYON unit (UMR 5128 CNRS – Univ Lyon 1) located in Villeurbanne, France. The successful candidate will be a CNRS employee for the duration of the PhD. Salary is based on the CNRS salary scale (2300 € before tax monthly), with 75% of public transportation costs covered by the employer and 44 days of paid leave per year.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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

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