Researcher for the Implementation of the PEROV-Treat Project – Development and Modeling of an EC-MF Pilot for Micropollutant Treatment
6 Jan 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Universite de Montpellier- Department
Human Resources- Research Field
Engineering » Process engineering- Researcher Profile
Recognised Researcher (R2)- Positions
Postdoc Positions- Country
France- Application Deadline
5 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
38- Offer Starting Date
1 Feb 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Other EU programme- Reference Number
2026-R00121- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
IEM, 300 avenue Emile Jeanbrau, 34000 Montpellier, France
This position is part of the ANR PEROV-TREAT project (2023–2027), coordinated by Clément Trellu (LGE), which aims to develop innovative processes combining electrochemistry and membrane filtration (EC-MF) to remove micropollutants, antibiotic resistance genes (ARG), and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from real wastewater. Work Package 4 (WP4), led by IEM, focuses on the design, modeling, and optimization of a laboratory-scale EC-MF pilot using promising electrocatalytic materials synthesized in WP1.3. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with project partners (LGE, UCCS, IC2MP) and benefit from a stimulating scientific environment, with access to advanced analytical platforms and real effluents (municipal wastewater treatment plants, pharmaceutical industry, hospitals).
MAIN MISSION:
Modeling of Reactive Phenomena (WP4.1):
- Develop 1D/2D reactive transport models (convection-diffusion-reaction) to describe mechanisms at the electrode/liquid interface.
- Correlate process performance (micropollutant degradation) with material properties (porosity, specific surface area, conductivity).
- Tools: COMSOL, MATLAB, or equivalent software.
Design and Implementation of the EC-MF Pilot (WP4.2):
- Participate in the mechanical and hydraulic design of the pilot (flow rate: ~5 L/h, flux: ~1000 LMH).
- Optimize operational parameters (current density, electrode thickness, number of stages).
- Collaborate with IEM engineers for pilot fabrication and instrumentation.
Performance Evaluation on Real Effluents (WP4.3):
- Test the pilot with municipal (CAS/MBR), pharmaceutical, and hospital wastewater.
- Analyze process efficiency for:
- Micropollutants (extended Swiss list, PFAS) via targeted and non-targeted analyses (collaboration with LEESU/IMT Mines Alès).
- ARB/ARG and acute toxicity (Microtox®).
- Global parameters (COD, TOC, 3D-EEM fluorescence).
- Study the influence of organic/inorganic matrix and fouling on long-term performance.
Valorization of Results:
- Draft technical reports (D4.1, D4.2, D4.3) and scientific publications.
- Present results at international conferences (e.g., IWA, Euromembrane).
ACTIVITIES:
Experimental:
- Preparation and characterization of effluents (collaboration with wastewater treatment plants and industries).
- Analytical monitoring (HPLC, LC-MS, spectrofluorimetry, toxicity tests).
Modeling:
- Development of predictive models for process optimization.
Collaborative:
- Co-supervision of 2 interns (Master/Engineering students) integrated into WP4.
- Regular meetings with partners (LGE, UCCS, IC2MP).
Precise description of the event or objective result determining the end of the contractual relationship, as well as the methods for evaluating and monitoring this result:
Write technical reports (D4.1, D4.2, D4.3) and scientific publications. Regular meetings with partners (LGE, UCCS, IC2MP)
Where to apply
marc.cretin@umontpellier.fr
Requirements
- Research Field
- Engineering » Process engineering
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- PhD in Process Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
- Proven experience in:
- Electrochemical or membrane processes (pilot experience is a plus).
- Reactive transport modeling (COMSOL/MATLAB/Python).
- Micropollutant analysis (LC-MS, GC-MS).
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment and effluent characterization (COD, BOD, TSS).
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in analytical techniques (chromatography, spectroscopy).
- Experience in pilot reactor design and instrumentation.
- Skills in statistics and data processing (R, Python, or equivalent).
Soft Skills:
- Autonomy and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Scientific rigor and organizational skills (management of multi-partner projects).
- Strong communication in English (writing articles, oral presentations).
- Initiative to propose innovative solutions.
Additional Assets:
- Experience in industrial collaboration.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations (REACH, EU Water Directives).
- Interest in technological valorization (patents, process maturation).
- Research Field
- Engineering » Process engineering
Additional Information
Selection process
Send your CV at marc.cretin@umontpellier.fr before February 5th, 2026.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM)
- Country
- France
- City
- Montpellier
- Postal Code
- 34000
- Street
- 300 avenue Emile Jeanbrau
- Geofield
Contact
- City
Montpellier- Website
https://iem.umontpellier.fr/- Street
163 rue Auguste Broussonnet- Postal Code
34000
marc.cretin@umontpellier.fr
STATUS: EXPIRED
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