Virtual laboratory to predict the ability of a fluctuating biomass to satisfy a material use - VARIOUS

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INRAE presentation

INRAE, the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment, is a public research organization bringing together 12,000 employees across 272 units in 18 centers across France. As the world’s leading institute specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment, INRAE plays a key role in supporting the necessary transitions to address global challenges.

Faced with population growth, food security challenges, climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, INRAE is committed to developing scientific solutions and supporting the evolution of agricultural, food, and environmental practices.

Work environment, missions and activities

Nature and purpose of the research project to be developed and related activities
Industries are having to reduce emissions resulting in the need to revamp manufacturing practices. The production of materials frequently involves the use of fossil resources with well-known, stable properties whereas the bioeconomy uses biomass (e.g. dedicated cultures, by-products and organic waste) of which the properties are different and subject to seasonal and climatic variations. For the bioeconomy, it is therefore necessary to sort biomass sources according to the target use without the need for an exhaustive analysis of each biomass. In the VARIOUS project, we propose to use statistical physics, already used by the ECN to design non-renewable materials. You will develop creative digital strategies (simulation and prediction tools for the rapid development of zero defect products - AI) to rapidly sort the different biomass sources and limit the need for testing. The starting point will be the microstructural databases of the BIA where different properties (tissue structure, cellulose content) will serve to establish scalar links to predict very early the performance and multiple functions (e.g. thermal, barrier and couplings…) and thus the properties of use. Representation and digital mechanics tools will be used to solve the various digital cases. The project could draw more particularly on the developments of couplings and variabilities of the GeM laboratory.

Nature and purpose of the teaching project The VARIOUS Junior Professor position aims to supplement the teaching on two major complementary themes:
1) Biochemical composition - structure of plant biomass
2) Continuum mechanics, mechanics of multi-scale media with controlled microstructures.
These themes will be taught within the various courses at the ECN and NU with a 50/50 distribution between the engineering (ECN and NU Polytech) and Master’s 2 courses.
Concerning the ECN, it would be desirable to develop course content on biobased products in the “Mechanical Engineer” curriculum for the options in year 2 (equivalent M1) and year 3 (equivalent M2).
Concerning NU, lessons will be taught as part of the Master’s 2 and the Graduate Programme “Materials Science” option “Innovative materials, advanced technologies and modelling”.
These lessons are necessary to study the behaviour of biobased products, biomaterials in the field of health (tissues, etc.), and architectured materials obtained by additive manufacturing (auxetic materials, etc.), for example. The contact with the students in M2 will facilitate the selection of high-potential candidates for future researchers to train in the field.


Funding and related resources
ANR Package : €200 000
INRAE Package : €90 000
Total : €457 000

Possible constraints : None specifically linked to this position other than those inherent to the profession of researcher (trips during the week, sometimes at weekends…).

Training and skills

In terms of disciplines, the research will ideally be at the crossroads between computational mechanics of solids and materials science (physics, chemistry). Experience with interdisciplinarity would be desirable to ensure the success of the project. The skills required include skills in the fields of digital tools and physico-chemistry of biomass sources. The profile targeted to effectively lead this project includes experts in digital modelling and simulation tools familiar with and initiated in biomass and plant fibres, experts in materials science specialised in biomass and natural fibres, and users of digital tools.

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from:

- 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.

International scientists, please visit your guide to facilitate your arrival and stay at INRAE.

Type of contract

Tenure-Track Junior Professor Chair enables recruitment of scientists based on a research and teaching project that lasts three years. At the end of this period, and following an assessment of your scientific achievements and professional capabilities, you may obtain a full-tenure position as Research Director (DR2).

A research and teaching agreement will specify the path you will follow towards full-tenure and enable you to acquire the qualifications necessary to become a full-tenure Research Director in your field.

You have until April 12, 2024 to submit your application. Only candidates previously selected on file by the selection committee will be invited to the hearing.