Postdoc in Hybrid Catalysis and Microreactors in Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide (CNRS) – France

Summary

The Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide (UCCS) at CNRS in France is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for a 17-month, full-time position under the ANR TOOLS4HYBCAT project. The project focuses on developing a hybrid catalytic process to convert biomass-derived D-glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) within a triphasic microreactor. The successful applicant will manage chemical catalysis and reactor coupling, including evaluating chemical catalysts for D-fructose dehydration, investigating catalyst immobilization, and examining reactor mass transfer performance. Candidates must hold a PhD in Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Catalysis, or a related field, accompanied by 1 to 4 years of relevant experience. Benefits include 44 days of annual leave and RTT, remote working options, and transport subsidies. The application deadline is November 23, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide (UCCS)
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Chemical Engineering
Research Area	Hybrid Catalysis and Microreactors
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	1 to 4 years of relevant research experience
Funding	ANR TOOLS4HYBCAT project
Contract Duration	17 months
Deadline	2026-11-23

About the Project

The ANR TOOLS4HYBCAT project develops a hybrid catalytic process to convert D-glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). The system uses a triphasic microreactor to separate enzymatic isomerization of D-glucose into D-fructose from the acid-catalysed dehydration of D-fructose into 5-HMF, using an organic phase for transport.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review to select chemical catalysts for D-fructose dehydration.
• Evaluate the reactivity of selected catalysts in conventional batch reactors.
• Develop and assess immobilization strategies on supports or reactor surfaces.
• Test and analyze the reactivity of immobilized catalysts in monophasic and biphasic reactor configurations.
• Investigate reactivity, fluid mechanics, and mass transfer performance of the triphasic hybrid reactor for system modeling.
• Communicate findings through project meetings, scientific publications, and international conferences.

Required Skills

• Strong experimental skills and a solid background in catalysis.
• Prior experience in catalyst synthesis/immobilization and physicochemical characterization.
• Experience with continuous-flow systems and chromatographic analysis techniques (HPLC/GC).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong writing and scientific communication skills.

Who Should Apply

Researchers holding a PhD in Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Catalysis, or a closely related field, with 1 to 4 years of relevant research experience in catalyst synthesis, continuous-flow systems, and chromatographic analysis techniques.

Benefits

• 44 days of annual leave and RTT
• Remote working options with allowance
• 75% public transport subsidy
• Sustainable mobility package up to €300

About the Employer

The position is hosted at the Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide (UCCS) at CNRS, located in Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the position located?

The position is located at the Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide (UCCS), Villeneuve d'Ascq (Nord), France.

What is the duration of the contract?

The position is for a duration of 17 months on a full-time basis.

What degree is required for this role?

A PhD in Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Catalysis, or a closely related field is required.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply is 23 November 2026 at 23:59 (CET).