Description du sujet de thèse

Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass using separation and bioproduction processes as part of a sustainable biorefinery strategy
The subject of this thesis is part of a project to valorize lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) using a biorefinery approach. Fractionation of LCB with deep eutectic solvents (DES) leads to the production of cellulose- and lignin-rich fractions and a liquid effluent, consisting of a complex mixture of DES, hemicelluloses and lignin degradation products. The original coupling of a membrane and adsorption process to recycle DES and recover hemicelluloses represents a challenge and will be evaluated. The downstream dark fermentation bioprocess will enable this fermentable material to be valorized through the production of sustainable hydrogen.
The successful candidate will develop skills in separation and biological processes for both aspects of the project: DES recycling and energy recovery.

Contexte de travail

The candidate will be based at the Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien in Strasbourg (Department of Analytical Sciences).
The Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CURIEN (IPHC), a joint research unit under the cotutelle of the CNRS and the University of Strasbourg (UMR7178), is a multidisciplinary laboratory where research teams from different scientific backgrounds develop programs based on scientific instrumentation. The IPHC has a total staff of 406, including 102 PhD students.
The candidate will join the IPHC's “Reconnaissance et Procédés de Séparation Moléculaire (RePSeM)” team, made up of 11 teacher-researchers, 11 PhD students, 1 post-doctoral student and 1 Research Engineer attached to the project.

The PhD student (M/F) will be attached to the Doctoral School of Chemical Sciences of the University of Strasbourg (ED222).

The candidate will be responsible for carrying out the proposed research project, collaborating with other researchers in the team and participating in the life of the laboratory.

He or she will benefit from access to a university restaurant, partial reimbursement of transport tickets, an employee representative committee, and the possibility of taking training courses to adapt to the assignment.

Strasbourg is one of Europe's most attractive cities (see the New York Times video: 36 Hours in Strasbourg), and has an internationally renowned University (47th in Chemistry, Shanghai ranking) offering an excellent learning environment.

Requirements:
• Master's degree in green chemistry, process engineering, biorefinery or a related field
• Knowledge of molecular fractionation (membrane process, adsorption) or fermentative processes would be a plus
• Good laboratory skills : organization, rigor, reflection, proactivity, initiative
• Autonomy, creativity, high motivation, and interest in biomass valorization processes
• Good level of English, oral and written B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, to transfer results into scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

Candidates should send a CV and covering letter, their Master's abstract and associated notes, as well as the contact details of referees and, if applicable, one or two letters of recommendation.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.