This position will first be based in Montpellier, and will eventually move to Gabon.
Research conducted by the “Biomass, Wood, Energy, Bio-products” unit (BioWooEB) focuses on the understanding and characterization of tropical woody biomasses, with a view to their valorization in the form of materials, energy or bioproducts. These activities are part of a circular economy approach, using locally transformed resources to meet the needs of developing regions in the Mediterranean and tropical zones.
Based initially in Montpellier, then rapidly (within 1 to 2 years) in Gabon, you will strengthen the BioWooEB unit's skills in the field of adding value to wood and wood-based products, as part of the sustainable and responsible management of tropical forests. Enhancing the value of little-known and little-used species, particularly in Central Africa, will increase wood consumption without impacting species already in use or natural areas. For producer countries, the aim is twofold: (a) to optimize the management of concessions currently being exploited within the framework of sustainable forest management; (b) to limit pressure on key species.
Your activities will focus on the development of wood products and wood processing technologies adapted to the use of mixed species in the tropical context. These activities will be carried out in close partnership with companies in the sector.
Your missions will involve conducting Research & Development activities in the following three main areas:
1. Enhancing the value of little-known or little-used species, using a “product” rather than a “species” approach:
- solid wood reconstituted by gluing using mixed wood species,
- development of new engineered wood products,
- validation of the natural durability of Central African wood species (resistance to wood-rotting fungi and termites) under real-life conditions for outdoor and marine applications (resistance to attack by marine borers when used in brackish water).
2. Multifunctional valorization of by-products and co-products from wood processing, for applications in materials, energy and agronomy.
3. Study of the variability of technological properties and reference characteristics of Central African timber species.
Finally, you will participate in BioWooEB's finalized research projects in the Central African region and in technical expertise activities with other researchers in the unit.
Desired profile
You have an engineering degree in the wood industry or a PhD.
You have expertise in the science and technology of wood and wood-based products. More specifically, you have expertise in primary and secondary processing.
You also have:
- an aptitude for teamwork and networking;
- good communication and writing skills;
- a good command of French and English.
Experience in a tropical region would be appreciated.
