Research project title

Project in Bioleaching & Environmental Process Engineering

Education level

Post-doctoral fellowship

Director/co-director

Director: Jamal Chaouki

Co-director(s): Professeur Alexandre Poulain de l’Université d’Ottawa

End of display

September 30, 2025

Areas of expertise

Chemical engineering

Environmental engineering

Microbiology

Unit(s) and department(s)

Department of Chemical Engineering

Process Engineering Advanced Research Lab (PEARL)

Conditions

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter outlining research interests and relevant experience.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a list of publications.

Submit your application via email to Pr. Jamal Chaouki at jamal.chaouki@polymtl.ca, and Dr. Adrián Carrillo García at adrian.carrillo-garcia@polymtl.ca. For more details about our ongoing and past work please visit our website at https://pearl.polymtl.ca/.

The candidate will be based at Ottawa University under the co-supervision of Pr. Alexandre Poulain, and should be open to travel, visit and collaborate with our industrial partner.

Detailed description

We are seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Fellow specializing in Bioleaching & Environmental Process Engineering to join our interdisciplinary research team, PEARL, at Polytechnique Montreal in collaboration with a dynamic and expert team in Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, at Ottawa University. The ideal candidate will apply their expertise on microbial-based extraction and remediation to address complex challenges in chemical and mining engineering.

The project aims to develop bioleaching strategies using microorganisms such as yeasts and fungi to decontaminate mineral matrices while maintaining the mineral’s quality and mineralogy. The research combines experimental microbiological work with environmental process engineering, including the evaluation of process kinetics, optimization of leaching conditions, and integration of bioaccumulation dynamics.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate on cutting-edge research projects, publish in high-impact journals, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the experimental program, lead kinetic modeling efforts, and support future scale- up and techno-economic evaluations. This work contributes to sustainable approaches in resource recovery, environmental remediation, and the development of eco-efficient hydrometallurgical processes.

The candidate will be based at Ottawa University under the co-supervision of Pr. Alexandre Poulain, and should be open to travel, visit and collaborate with our industrial partner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-level research in microbial fermentation, microbial metabolic pathways, and bioleaching.
• Analyze data and interpret results to regarding an ore decontamination.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including experimentalists and engineers.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and reports.
• Assist in supervising related projects.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or Microbiology.
• Demonstrated experience with microbial fermentation, or environmental bioprocessing.
• Prior involvement in bioleaching or hydrometallurgical research.
• Familiarity with soil remediation and microbial metabolic pathways.
• Hands-on lab experience in biosafety level 2 environments.
• Experience in pilot-scale or industrial process development (is a plus).
• Strong project management skills and ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong publication record in relevant areas.

What we value:

• Diversity.
• Collaboration.
• Innovation

Why Join Us:

At Polytechnique Montreal, we offer a stimulating research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to work with leading experts in the field. Join us in pushing the boundaries of fluid dynamics research on multiphase processes and process electrification.

Polytechnique Montreal is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. In accordance with immigration rules, priority will however be given to Canadians and permanent residents.

Financing possibility

Financing for a year (with possibility of extension renewable based on performance and project milestones)