5 min
Chemistry, material sciences
Research in these disciplines is focused on the transformation of diverse materials. More specifically, INRAE research explores the quality of raw plant and animal materials and how they can be transformed into products, foods, and processed materials that serve multiple functions. Depending on their team's focus, researchers must be proficient in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, process engineering, and/or chemical physics.
Updated on 02 January 2020
With a PhD or an engineering degree from a Grande École
Example I Researcher in process engineering
INRAE researchers in process engineering work to design, carry out, and develop scientific projects that expand our understanding of how different raw materials can be transformed. More specifically, they focus on the creation of foods (e.g., bread, cheese, fruit juice), food products (e.g., colouring agents, flavouring agents, texturing agents), plant-based materials (e.g., composites made with wood, hemp, or bioplastics), chemical compounds (e.g., surfactants, glues), alternative fuels (e.g., biofuels), and pharmaceutical products (e.g., active compounds).
In general, researchers must demonstrate the value of their scientific results. Value may be expressed in different forms depending on the field. Most commonly, researchers describe their discoveries in scientific publications, an important medium of communication within the scientific community. They often share their scientific expertise with national or international policy makers and/or the national or international scientific community. Researchers also train and teach students. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.
| Degree requirement(s) | Portraits | Job offers |
|---|---|---|
| PhD (or equivalent) | Check out the portraits of our researchers (coming soon) | See our job postings |
Example I Research engineer in analytical chemistry
INRAE research engineers in analytical chemistry are responsible for coordinating the implementation of a technique or a suite of techniques for analysing chemical compounds. Their main tasks are to provide advice on the choice and implementation of a technique or method of chemical analysis (e.g., spectroscopy, spectrometry, electrochemical analysis, compound separation); develop and adapt new field-specific analytical methods; define the procedures and conditions associated with sample preparation; and analyse, use, verify, and interpret the results.
Research engineers have a variety of responsibilities. For example, they must produce generic or operational knowledge, develop scientific tools for researchers to use, build socioeconomic and institutional partnerships, and provide expertise. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.
| Degree requirement(s) | Related fields | Portraits | Job offers |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD or engineering degree from a grande école (or equivalent) | Chemistry, physicochemistry, analytical techniques, biochemistry, biophysics | Check out the portraits of our researchers (coming soon) | See our job postings |
With 3–5 years of higher education
Example I Engineer in materials science/characterisation
INRAE engineers in materials science and characterisation work to adapt, develop, and implement methods and techniques for characterising the structure, mechanics, physics, and physicochemistry of materials. Their main tasks are to use one or more experimental techniques to collect information on the nature and properties of the materials being studied; define and refine sample preparation processes; set up and carry out experiments; process, interpret, and express experimental data; and exploit research results.
They help improve the experimental systems and protocols that they employ. They ensure that research methods and objectives are a good fit; they also analyse and communicate research results. Additionally, they may be responsible for managing technical, financial, and human resources.
| Degree requirement(s) | Related fields | Portraits | Job offers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree, master's degree (or equivalent) | Chemistry, physics, physicochemistry, mechanical chemistry | Check out the portraits of our researchers (coming soon) | See our job postings |