Civil Engineering Research Engineer (M/F) - ref 1089

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school that awards degrees to engineers, master's students and doctoral candidates who have completed academic programmes based on the latest developments in science and technology and best management practices.

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

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has more than 2,250 students, 500 employees and 600 temporary staff.

Within the Ecole Centrale de Nantes, the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (GeM) is a joint research unit of Nantes University, Centrale Nantes and the CNRS. Its aim is to bring together within a single laboratory all the expertise of the Nantes-Saint-Nazaire metropolitan area in the fields of civil engineering, materials and process mechanics, and structural mechanics modelling and simulation.

Job description:

We are seeking a candidate for an 8-month fixed-term contract to carry out civil engineering research activities.

Your main tasks will be as follows:

• Formulating and producing concrete test specimens compatible with the experimental demonstrator dedicated to the bioprecipitation process.

• Develop and implement experimental methodologies for studying several parameters influencing bioprecipitation (formulation, surface condition, roughness, damage, cracking).

• Characterise the concrete test specimens in their initial state (mechanical, chemical and transfer characteristics).

• Characterise the concrete test specimens and the bioprecipitate in their final state (mechanical, chemical and transfer characteristics).

• Analyse and interpret the experimental results in relation to the formulation and process parameters.

• Conduct a life cycle analysis of the coating solution in light of the experimental results.

• Promote the results through scientific publications, conference presentations and communications with manufacturers.

Secondary activities and tasks of the position:

• Participate in the development and optimisation of the demonstrator enabling the bioprecipitation process on concrete test tubes.

• Contribute to the drafting of technical reports, deliverables and administrative documents for the project.

• Participate in project follow-up meetings and interdisciplinary exchanges between partner laboratories.

Professional skills:

• Design and conduct of experimental campaigns

• Analysis and interpretation of experimental results

• Scientific writing (articles, reports, deliverables)

• Promotion and dissemination of results

• Management of experimental data

Technical skills:

• Formulation and manufacture of concrete/mortar

• Chemical characterisation (ATG/TGA, XRD)

• Characterisation of transfer properties (porosity, permeability, diffusion)

• Microstructural characterisation techniques (SEM/EDS, image analysis)

• Life cycle analysis

• Level B2 English

Interpersonal skills:

• Interdisciplinary teamwork

• Clear communication (oral/written)

• Autonomy and initiative

• Organisation and scientific rigour

Management skills:

• Supervision of interns/students

Required level: PhD in civil engineering, materials science, or related discipline

Nature of the position

• 8-month fixed-term contract – open to contract workers and civil servants

• Full-time position – based in Nantes

• Flexible working hours

• Adjustable work cycles (possibility of working 4.5 days)

• RTT + additional leave

• Occasional travel between the two laboratories (GeM / GEPEA-BAM).

• Teleworking possible

• Teleworking allowance

• Free parking

• 75% transport reimbursement

• Sustainable mobility bonus (if cycling or carpooling)

Remuneration: according to the French civil service pay scale

Position available: April 2026

HR contact: Eloïse LEHOUX

Manager contact: Benoit HILLOULIN

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

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In accordance with our institution's CSR commitments, this position is open to all.