Postdoctoral position in the experimental analysis of hydro-chemical-mechanical phenomena (M/F) – réf : 1170

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school that awards degrees to engineers, Master’s students and PhD candidates following academic programmes based on the latest developments in science and technology and on best management practices.

As a member of the Groupe des Écoles Centrales (Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Paris), our school provides high-quality education for highly selective students.

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has over 2,250 students, 500 staff members and 600 part-time lecturers.

Job description:

Background:

The most significant studies published to date have mainly focused on the response of the reservoir rock to CO₂ injection, but fewer results are available regarding the direct interaction between the acidified solution stored in the aquifer and the cap rock. The following scenarios could be considered the most representative of the hydro-chemical-mechanical interactions between the acid brine solution and the caprock. S1) The pressure of supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) at the top of the reservoir is lower than the gas entry pressure into the caprock. Consequently, CO₂ cannot flow through the caprock, but cations simply diffuse into it. Geochemical alteration of minerals sensitive to acid attack may occur due to the chemical imbalance between the brine, saturating the claystone, and the acidified solution. S2) A pre-existing network of fractures/faults, with a gas entry pressure lower than the supercritical CO₂ pressure and an intrinsic permeability higher than that of the surrounding claystone (generally by two orders of magnitude), acts as a flow conduit for the acidified solution.

A pre-existing network of fractures and faults, with a gas inlet pressure lower than that of the supercritical CO₂ and an intrinsic permeability greater than that of the surrounding claystone (typically by two orders of magnitude), acts as a flow path for the acidified solution. In this case, the supercritical CO₂ does not penetrate directly into the rock matrix but passes through the caprock via the fractures. S3) The pressure of the supercritical CO₂ at the top of the reservoir exceeds the gas entry pressure into the caprock matrix. In this case, the CO₂ passes through the caprock and a drainage process occurs (a non-wetting fluid displacing a wetting fluid).

The project will focus on analysing these scenarios by adapting BIAX, a suitable experimental setup already available at the ECN’s GeM laboratory, to enable the use of acidic solutions either to saturate, diffuse or inject the sample.

Your main responsibilities will be as follows:

• Updating and developing experimental facilities by adapting biaxial (BIAX) and triaxial (Bishop-Wesley cell) testing equipment for use with acidic solutions, and contributing to the development of the Ufreckles digital image correlation software.

• Designing analogous materials based on a similarity analysis, in the form of mixtures of clay and mineral inclusions (calcite), in order to reproduce certain properties of the overburden rock.

• Develop and implement the experimental programme by defining the triaxial and biaxial test protocols, developing the triaxial experimental programme and overseeing the biaxial experimental programme conducted by a PhD student.

Activities associated with the role :

• Conduct research and innovation activities.

• Undertake training and contribute to training through research.

• Disseminate, promote and transfer research results.

• Participate in the scientific community and in complementary activities.

Knowledge:

• Written and oral communication skills in English

• Work analysis

• Analytical and synthesis skills

Operational skills:

• Ensuring the validation of results

• Problem-solving

• Applying techniques specific to the field

• Implementing procedures and rules

• Communicating with experts in one’s field

• Managing one’s work within a complex schedule and management framework

• Monitoring data quality

• Working as part of a team

Soft skills:

• Independence and adaptability

• Professional rigour

• Analytical and critical thinking

• Creativity and curiosity

• Confidentiality and stress management

Technical skills:

• Design and implementation of experimental tests

• Image correlation

Required qualifications: You must hold a PhD.

What we offer:

• 19-month fixed-term contract

• Position open to contract staff and civil servants

• Category A – Postdoctoral

• Full-time position – based in Nantes

• Flexible working hours

• Flexible working patterns (option to work a 4.5-day week)

• RTT + additional leave

• Remote working possible

• Remote working allowance

• Free parking

• 75% travel allowance

• Sustainable mobility bonus (if cycling or carpooling)

• Compulsory health insurance & optional pension scheme

Remuneration: in accordance with the State civil service pay scales

Position to be filled: February 2027

HR Contact: Eloïse LEHOUX

Manager Contact: Giulio SCIARRA

This advertisement refers to terms such as ‘candidate’, ‘engineer’, ‘manager’, etc. These titles are to be considered gender-neutral and apply to both women and men.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In line with our organisation’s CSR commitments, this role is open to all.