Offer Description
As part of the SED’UP project, which focuses on the sustainable valorization of dredged sediments for Civil Engineering applications, we are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher for a period of 18 months. The project aims to address a major challenge arising from recent regulatory developments: the progressive ban on the marine disposal of polluted sediments starting from January 1st, 2025. This new requirement necessitates the implementation of reliable and sustainable onshore management pathways, including their potential reuse as construction materials (dikes, embankments, pavement layers, etc.).
The scientific objective of the postdoctoral position is to develop, understand, and optimize an innovative sediment stabilization solution based on the use of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) binders as a partial or total substitute for lime and Portland cement (OPC). This approach responds both to technical constraints (fine particle size distribution, high water content, presence of pollutants and organic matter) and to environmental imperatives (CO₂ reduction, carbon neutrality by 2050).
The successful candidate will work within the GeM Laboratory – CNRS UMR 6183, in collaboration with the project’s industrial and institutional partners. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive experimental program including:
1. Characterization of raw sediments Physico-chemical, geotechnical, mineralogical, and microstructural analyses. Investigation of critical parameters: particle size distribution, water content, organic matter content, presence of salts and mineral/organic contaminants.
2. Formulation of stabilized mixtures Development of mixtures using various mass ratios. Evaluation of the influence of particle size distribution, initial moisture, and contaminants on stabilization performance.
3. Mechanical, geotechnical, and durability testing Mechanical properties (uniaxial compression, bearing capacity, modulus evolution). Geotechnical behavior (swelling, water retention, compaction). Durability assessments (leaching, pollutant immobilization, water resistance, freeze–thaw resistance). Analysis of ettringite formation and understanding of the associated physico-chemical mechanisms.
4. Optimization and innovation Identification of optimal formulations for applications in dikes, embankments, and subgrade layers. Investigation of the potential replacement of OPC with fine recycled aggregates (GRA) in selected formulations.
5. Scientific dissemination Preparation of articles for international peer-reviewed journals. Participation in conferences and consortium meetings. Contribution to the deliverables of the SED’UP project.
Where to apply
E-mail: postdoc-sedup@emploi.beetween.com
Skills/Qualifications
- PhD in: Civil Engineering, Materials, Materials Chemistry, Environment, or related discipline.
- Strong skills in materials characterisation, geotechnics, cementitious materials science, or sustainability.
- Excellent command of experimental work: sample preparation, mechanical testing, physicochemical analysis, instrumentation.
- Knowledge of hydraulic binders, CSA binders, soil or waste stabilisation processes is an asset.
- Autonomy, experimental rigour, a sense of innovation and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent writing skills (publications, reports) in French or English.
Additional Information
Benefits
- An unprecedented model in France combining a university, a university hospital (CHU de Nantes), a technological research institute (IRT Jules Verne), a national research organization (Inserm) and the Grandes Écoles (Centrale Nantes, École des Beaux-arts Nantes Saint-Nazaire, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Nantes)
- Commitment to professional equality, diversity and inclusion and addressing gender-based and sexual violence
- Membership in the EUniWell European Alliance committed to wellness
- Certified HR Excellence in Research since 2022 as part of the HRS4R strategy
- Transport subscription up to 75 % supported
- Sustainable mobility package, in line with the institution’s commitment to sustainable development
- Access to university restaurants with a preferential rate
- Access to sports, university libraries and other activities on campus
