General information

Reference

2025-2680  

Position description

Category

F08 Geochemistry - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Postdoctoral research position in isotope geochemistry

Contract

Post-doctoral contrat

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

18 months

Context and contributions of the position

The European project MaDiTraCe (Material & Digital Traceability for CRM Certification) lead by BRGM, aims to develop the geochemical traceability of metals of interest present in batteries.
https://www.maditrace.eu/.

The Water, Environment, Analysis and Processes Division is looking for a post-doctoral researcher to work on the traceability of lithium in the battery production chain until to recycling using a multi-technique, multi-isotope approach.
You will join the ISOTOPES unit (DEPA/ISO) and contribute to the scientific and technical production of isotope tracing and geochronological dating in the earth and environmental sciences.

Job description

Joining the French Geological Survey (BRGM) means becoming part of France's leading public institution for Earth Science applications bringing together 1,000 wholeheartedly committed experts across 29 bases in Mainland and Overseas France.

BRGM focuses on enhancing geological knowledge and understanding of surface and sub-surface-related phenomena, with a view to meeting the challenges of environmental changes through innovative projects with societal implications.


As part of the MADITRACE project aimed at developing protocols for the traceability of lithium in the battery production chain through to recycling, you will be primarily responsible for :
- To perform LA-ICP-MS or liquid-ICP-MS analyses of trace elements in the various products in the battery production chain through to recycling.
- To perform MC-ICP-MS analyses of lithium isotopic compositions and the minor elements that accompany it, from the ore to the battery, via intermediate products (lithium salt, CAM, black mass, etc.).
- To disseminate the results by publishing articles in scientific journals and taking part in conferences.
- You will also be taking part in an international collaboration with the other laboratories in the MaDiTraCe project (UGhent, MUL, GTK) on the traceability of critical metals, involving joint analytical developments and inter-laboratory comparisons.

This position involves several travels to Grenoble to the CEA LITEN in order to work with the MADITRACE project partners.

Profile

Requested start date : as soon as possible
Education : PhD
Experience : Junior

You will use the following skills and qualities:
- Ability to analyze trace elements by LA-ICPMS, liquid-ICP-MS or isotopic compositions by (LA)-MC-ICP-MS;
- Ability to develop and apply analytical methods;
- Ability to organize daily work independently and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team,
- Initiative and team spirit;
- Proven experience in scientific communication (articles and conference participation);
- Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking).

Working conditions

You have a PhD with a background in geochemistry applied to mineral resources, and a good command of chemical and/or isotopic analysis.
This full-time position involves travel, for short periods, in France and Europe.

Within an environment that promotes a healthy work/life balance, particularly thanks to remote working, BRGM prides itself on providing a friendly and caring place to work.
Awarded HRS4R certification in 2021, we are committed to supporting you throughout your career at BRGM. We provide you with a range of tools for developing your skills and expertise, with scope for career progression and geographic mobility.

At BRGM, you will gain from such benefits as a 13th month salary, days off compensating for unpaid overtime, a company canteen, sports facilities as well as holiday and leisure options.
At BRGM, you are guaranteed a transparent recruitment process. It is easy to apply! Please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 04/02/2025.
Because diversity matters to us at BRGM, all of our job vacancies are open to everyone!
We will examine your application as soon as the closing date has passed. If your application is short-listed, we will contact you for recruitment interviews during which you will have the opportunity to talk with the recruitment and HR departments as well as a cross-functional department.

Position location

Job location

France, Centre-Val de Loire

Location