Research Engineer - Process Development (M/F)
The research engineer will actively contribute to the project regarding process development aspects, scale-up, and technical management of experiments.
Activities Participate in the scale-up of chemical transformations of bio-based molecules, from the laboratory to pilot scales. Design, implement, and optimize chemical transformation processes (batch and/or continuous). Perform mass balances and process balances, analyze performance, and identify technical bottlenecks. Participate in the structuring and organization of pilot experimental campaigns. Ensure experimental traceability and monitoring of process indicators (yields, selectivity, productivity, mass balances). Contribute to the development and integration of pilot units (reactors, filtration, evaporation, purification, etc.). Perform analytical monitoring of experiments (GC, HPLC, IR, RMN, physicochemical analyses). Structure, analyze, and add value to experimental data. Interpret observed chemical transformations and contribute to the understanding of reaction mechanisms and process limitations. Participate in technical meetings with academic and industrial partners of the European consortium. Supervise bachelor/master level interns and contribute to their scientific and experimental follow-up. Contribute to the writing of technical reports and deliverables for the European project.
Working hours: 37 hours and 30 minutes per week - 1,607 hours per year
Job Prerequisites The position will suit both a motivated junior engineer wishing to develop expertise in scale-up and a more experienced profile or PhD holder wishing to evolve in an environment applied to industrial transfer. Engineering degree, master 2, or PhD in process engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, green chemistry, or a related field. Experience Beginners are accepted if they show strong motivation for process development and scale-up. Experience (internship, apprenticeship, thesis, or employment) in chemical processes, sustainable chemistry, reactors, separation, or biomass valorization will be appreciated.
Knowledge Knowledge of process engineering, process chemistry, or laboratory/pilot scale experimentation. A good foundation in organic chemistry would be an asset, in order to understand the chemical transformations implemented, the associated reaction mechanisms, and potential degradation phenomena. Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE) is appreciated. Good level of scientific and technical English (French is a plus).
Technical Skills Strong interest in chemical process development and scale-up. Ability or motivation to perform mass balances and process analyses. Familiarity with analytical techniques (GC, HPLC, IR, RMN) is appreciated. Skills or experience related to chemical processes (for example: flow chemistry, unit operations such as filtration, evaporation, or extraction, multiphase processes, etc.) would be appreciated, but are not indispensable.
Behavioral Skills Autonomy, rigor, and organizational skills. Initiative and ability to solve technical problems. Team spirit and ability to work collaboratively. Ability to operate in an international collaborative environment.
Assets Experience in academic, industrial, or European collaborative projects. Interest in industrial valorization and technology transfer.