Project description
Context: In the context of the energy transition, the growing use of biomass as a renewable energy source is being encouraged, particularly as a replacement for fossil fuel in residential heating. At the same time, the incineration of municipal and industrial waste remains a common practice for managing non-recyclable residual materials. However, these combustion processes are accompanied by the emission of concerning atmospheric pollutants such as dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and fine particulate matter. Current flue gas treatment technologies, although partially effective, struggle to meet increasingly stringent environmental performance requirements. In this context, the development of innovative, high-performance, and economically viable solutions for flue gas depollution has become a priority.
PhD project objective: Develop a decontamination process for solid materials contaminated by toxic pollutants resulting from combustion processes. The proposed approach is based on the use of enzymatic and/or chemical degradation mechanisms to provide an effective and adaptable solution for treating these residues.
Main responsibilities:
- Production and optimization of enzymes
- Encapsulation and stabilization of enzymes
- Study of pollutant degradation by enzymatic processes
- Study of pollutant degradation by physicochemical methods
- Kinetic modelling
- Writing scientific publications and participating in conferences
Benefits:
- Supervision by an interdisciplinary team (process engineering, microbiology, environmental sciences)
- Possibility of internships in practical settings
- Access to advanced research infrastructure
Start date
Winter 2026
Research supervision
Supervisor: Tarek Rouissi, INRS Professor
Co-supervisor: Louis-César Pasquier, INRS Professor
Study program
PhD in Water sciences or Earth Sciences (program details in French only)
Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre, INRS
Funding
Doctoral scholarship: CAD $27,000/year for 3 years (renewable for a 4th year depending on progress).
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, industrial microbiology, or in a related field
- Autonomy, scientific rigor, ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
- Interest in environmental issues, circular economy, and clean technologies
- Candidates with experience or knowledge in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
– Fermentation, enzymology, or bioremediation
– Physicochemical processes for the degradation of organic pollutants
How to apply
Please use the form below to send your application as soon as possible including all the following documents in PDF: (1) cover letter (2 pages max), (2) full CV, (3) all transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degree), (4) contact information for two referees, and (5) any other relevant diploma or document (ex. publication).