Summary
A fully funded PhD position is available under the Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Ingénierie des Molécules, Procédés, Produits et Énergie focusing on sustainable biomass valorization. The project aims to develop innovative, eco-friendly extraction processes using supercritical fluids and deep eutectic solvents to recover high-value phenolic compounds from lignocellulosic biomass.
PhD Scholarship in Eco-Responsible Biomass Valorization (Supercritical Processes & Bio-Based Solvents)
Designation
PhD Research Scholar (Doctoral Candidate)
Research Area
- Chemical Engineering
- Physical Chemistry
- Biomass Valorization
- Green Extraction Technologies
- Supercritical Fluid Processes
- Thermodynamics & Process Modeling
Location
University of Lorraine, France
Eligibility / Qualification
- Master’s degree (MSc) or Engineering degree in:
- Chemical Engineering
- Physical Chemistry
- Process Engineering
- Strong interest in both:
- Experimental research
- Modeling and simulation approaches
- Knowledge of thermodynamics or extraction processes is an advantage
Job Description
This PhD project focuses on developing an eco-responsible process for extracting valuable compounds from biomass through a two-stage approach:
Phase 1: Biomass Pretreatment Using Supercritical CO₂
- Modify biomass structure to improve extraction efficiency
- Study effects of pressure, temperature, and treatment duration
- Enhance lignin accessibility in lignocellulosic matrices
Phase 2: Extraction Using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES)
- Develop selective extraction methods for lignin and phenolic compounds
- Optimize process parameters such as:
- Solvent-to-biomass ratio
- Temperature
- Particle size
- Extraction kinetics
- Water content
Additional Component:
- Apply COSMO-RS thermodynamic modeling to identify optimal DES solvents prior to experimental validation
Supervision
- Thesis Advisor: Fabrice Mutelet
- Co-Advisor: Jean-Charles Moise
Funding Details
- Fully funded (MESR Grant – French Ministry of Higher Education and Research)
- Duration: November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2029
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter
📧 Email applications to:
