PhD position (M/F) - Improving in situ leaching processes using a microfluidic approach

Job Description

Thesis Subject

In-situ leaching of metals is one of the most competitive technologies for recovering critical metals or reclaiming value from mine tailings, with a lower environmental impact than conventional extractive metallurgy techniques. Two main causes of low ore recovery rate in porous media via leaching are identified, i.e., passivation of mineral surfaces and heterogeneity of the flow field, which creates competition between zones of advective transfer and zones of diffusive transfer where the fluxes of leaching reagents and products are very low.
We invite application for a PhD at the CNRS-University of Toulouse to gain a better understanding on metal leaching in heterogeneous porous media through an experimental study and reactive transport modeling. The approach will focus on microfluidic experiments. The experimental part will involve leaching experiments coupled with detailed characterization techniques of the solid and aqueous phases to understand the processes by which chemical elements are released. The results obtained will be used to derive kinetic parameters of reactivity. The work program includes: i) the fabrication of micro-models of increasing complexity, ranging from model porous media to natural environments, using etching techniques combined with mineral inkjet and laser ablation; (ii) leaching experiments to better characterize mineral reactivity and element transport in porous media; (iii) and data processing (image analysis); (iv) the results will be used as input parameters for reactive transport modeling.
Keywords: microfluidics, micro-model design, heterogeneous porous media, leaching, reactive transport.
Qualification. Required: Degree in geosciences, physics, chemistry, engineering or fluid mechanics. Interest in fabrication techniques, experimental development, and multidisciplinary work. Preferred: background and/or experience in microfluidics and image processing. Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, scientific curiosity, and ability to synthesize information.

Your Work Environment

The doctoral research will take place at the Laboratory Geosciences Environment Toulouse (GET) within the Interfacial Reactivity and Biogeochemistry team, in collaboration with the Laboratory for Systems Analysis and Architecture (LAAS) within the MechaBioFluidics team, which has extensive expertise in microfluidics and microfabrication (a technology platform of the national ReNaTech network), both located on the Belin-Roche campus at University of Toulouse. The doctoral research is part of the TIRIS Scalingup Microcoredeal project, which aims to develop micro-models with a focus on designing and fabricating models that bridge the gap between laboratory settings and natural environments. It fits with Sustainable Transitions axe of the TIRIS program (https://anr.fr/ProjetIA-22-EXES-0015), addressing challenges related to energy transition, resource conservation and improved utilization of georesources, and decarbonization of end-uses.
Full-time contract for 3 years, starting November 1, 2026. Gross salary €2,300 per month. Affiliation with the SDU2E doctoral school.
Application should include a CV, motivation letter, complete course grade, contact information of two references, and a copy of the Master's thesis

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

The research professions