Chemistry, material sciences

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.

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.

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.