General information

Reference

2026-4078  

Position description

Category

F08 Geochemistry - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Post-doctoral position Reactive Transport Modelling of a Flotation Reactor

Contract

Post-doctoral contrat

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

24 months

Context and contributions of the position

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 25 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.

In France, Europe, and the rest of the world, driving the energy transition towards decarbonized and renewable energies leads to a growing demand for critical metals, notably lithium, tungsten, cobalt, and nickel, mainly extracted from ores and mining residues. The commonly used ore processing methods lack efficiency in recovering minerals and precious metals from the subsurface while respecting the environment. It is therefore essential to improve the effectiveness of these techniques to sustainably extract critical metals from primary sources, such as ores, and secondary sources, like mining residues, in line with the challenges of the ecological transition.

Job description

This 2-year post-doctoral contract is part of the PEPR Sous-sol MINFLOT project. It will focus on multi-physical modelling based on existing knowledge at the atomic and particle scale to improve the recovery of rare metals in mineral flotation reactors. You will join the Geophysics and Surface Remote Sensing unit of the Subsurface Knowledge and Geomodelling Department.

As part of this post-doctoral contract, your main tasks will be the following:

- develop a multi-scale model of mineral flotation incorporating interactions that may influence adhesion/repulsion forces of the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) type, based on the complex chemistry of the different phases in contact.

- perform reactive transport calculations using geochemistry software, such as PHREEQC, possibly coupled with fluid dynamics calculation tools (CFD) based on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models.

- predict the flotation behaviour based on the chemical and mineralogical composition of the pulp, taking into account the complexity of multiphase interactions as well as bubble-particle interactions through a surface complexation approach.

- calculate the adhesion and detachment rates based on the surface state of the solid particles, their aggregation, and the hydrodynamic regime in the different compartments of the flotation reactor.

- contribute to a better understanding of flotation mechanisms in order to optimize the recovery rates of targeted minerals and to improve the efficiency as well as the sustainability of ore processing methods.

- participate in the analysis, valorisation, and scientific dissemination of the results.

Profile

Education : PhD
Experience : 1 – 3 years


The candidate must possess the following skills and qualities:
- scientific curiosity,
- team spirit,
- writing skills,
- good skills in Python programming (knowledge of C++ will be an asset),
- experience in modelling coupled transport processes (experience in reactive transport modelling will be an asset).

Working conditions

The position will be primarily focused on multiphysics modelling with assignments involving partners and conferences.

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. To apply, please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter as well as referee contact information) by 2026 september 6th.

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, Loiret (45)

Location