PhD position:Bioelectrochemical processes for the valorization of organic wastes: investigation and optimization of the transfer through ion exchange membranes

Organisation/Company

Laboratoire de Génie Chimique – CNRS – Toulouse INP – UT3

Department

GIMD

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2024 – 12:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

• Starting date: 1st October 2024
• Contract duration: 3 years
• Funding: INP Toulouse (B-BEST PEPR)
• Doctoral school: Mécanique, énergétique, génie civil, procédés (MEGEP)
• Keywords: Bioelectrochemical systems, mass transfer, carboxylates, ion-exchange membranes

This thesis project is part of the PEPR program (PEPR B-Best) supporting the French strategy in terms of “biobased products, industrial biotechnologies, sustainable fuels”. It aims at focusing research and innovation efforts on the challenges linked with the biomass conversion into biobased products to support the transition to a sustainable and circular bioeconomy.

Previous investigations have successfully developed an electrochemical microbial technology using two compartments separating the biowaste oxidation taking place at the anode from the synthesis of bioproducts, like carbohydrates for instance, taking place at the cathode. The objective of the project is to design and study a microbial electrolysis cell integrating an additional central compartment in order to produce molecules of higher added value, thanks to the biological conversion of carboxylates transferred from the cathodic towards the central compartment.

This thesis will be focused on the study of the transfer of solutes though ion exchange membranes used to separate the different compartments of the electrolytic cell. The mechanisms governing the transfer of carboxylates will be investigated in order to control the bioconversion step into higher added value compounds so as to optimize the overall performances of the process.

The thesis work, mainly experimental, will be performed in several steps. Firstly, the impact of operating conditions (composition in the cathode compartment, pH, presence of mineral ions and micro-organisms, current, etc.) and ion exchange membranes on the transfer of carboxylates will be assessed. Secondly, the transfer will be optimized by considering the reaction mechanisms involved at the bio-cathode.  Thus, part of the research work will be carried out in collaboration with other partners involved in the PEPR“ElectroMic” project, who are investigating bio-electrochemical systems based on the development of electro-active microbial biofilms on the surface of electrodes.

Application: To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and a detailed CV to the contact below :

Sylvain Galier, Associate Professor, [email protected]

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate needs a general education in chemical engineering (Master degree) with a research experience. Strong skills in chemical engineering, motivation, autonomy, synthesis, team spirit, good oral and written skills (in French and English) will be the main motors for a successful project.

Specific Requirements

The final recruitment will require approval of the “Fonctionnaire Sécurité Défense” of Toulouse INP

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Selection process

Copies of higher education degrees and transcripts, including the current year’s transcript.

A detailed  Curriculum Vitae

A cover letter 

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Laboratoire de Génie Chimique

Country

France

City

Toulouse

Postal Code

31062

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Toulouse

Website

https://lgc.cnrs.fr

Street

118 route de Narbonne

Postal Code

31062

STATUS: EXPIRED