Job Description
Offer Description Dynamics and Mobility of Nanoparticles Under Variable Saturation and Temperature Conditions (DYNAMO) DYNAMO brings together a high-level international consortium composed of two European partners and two research teams based in Rennes, France, to address a major scientific challenge: understanding the reactivity and mobility of anthropogenic nanoparticles (NPs) under flow conditions. Nanoparticles are widely used in agriculture, industry, and numerous technological applications. As a consequence, they inevitably reach natural and engineered porous media. Understanding their transport, transformation, and reactivity is therefore essential for both environmental protection and the development of more sustainable agricultural and industrial processes. Porous media are highly complex physicochemical systems in which the fate of nanoparticles results from coupled interactions between solid surfaces, fluid phases, and flow dynamics. This complexity is further enhanced by wetting–drying and freeze–thaw cycles, which are expected to intensify under climate change and are also commonly encountered in filtration and remediation technologies. These fluctuations modify pore structure, hydraulic connectivity, and the accessibility of reactive sites, potentially promoting either nanoparticle retention or remobilization. To address these challenges, DYNAMO develops an integrated multi-scale approach combining: In situ thermogravimetric and spectroscopic analyses, Mass spectrometry, Pore-scale fluorescence imaging and Reactive transport modeling. The project aims to establish links between molecular-scale chemical mechanisms and nanoparticle flow dynamics in porous media subjected to hydric and thermal cycles. DYNAMO will provide significant advances for predicting the fate of nanoparticles in environmental, agricultural, and industrial systems and for designing more resilient strategies under increasing climate-related constraints. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following fields: Environmental sciences, Geochemistry, Physical chemistry or Environmental engineering. Experience in spectroscopy, imaging techniques, porous media experiments, or numerical modeling will be appreciated. Strong analytical skills, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work within an interdisciplinary and international research environment are essential. Funding This PhD position is funded by ANR (Agence Nationale de la Recherche) and Région Bretagne. Location The PhD will be carried out in Rennes, France, within an interdisciplinary and international collaborative framework. Application Applicants should submit: a detailed CV, a motivation letter and contact information for two references. Contact: khalil.hanna@ensc-rennes.fr