Opportunity to candidate for a Marie-Sklodowska Curie Global Postdoctoral Fellowship in Self-powered water purification system integrating energy harvesting technologies

14 Feb 2025
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Université Gustave Eiffel

Department

ESYCOM

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering
Environmental science » Water science

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Recognised Researcher (R2)

Positions

Postdoc Positions

Country

France

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Not Applicable

Job Status

Not Applicable

Offer Starting Date

9 Apr 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Université Gustave Eiffel is looking for a candidate to apply for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the framework of the Marie-Sklodowska Curie Programme 2025.

The Candidate and Université Gustave Eiffel's supervisor, in collaboration with the supervisor of Yonsei University,  will apply together to develop the following research project : Self-powered water purification system integrating energy harvesting technologies

1. Summary 

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team and collaborate on the development of innovative water purification technologies.

Water contamination poses a persistent threat to public health and the environment, exacerbated by emerging micropollutants and limitations in conventional treatment methods. Our research focuses on creating a self-powered water purification system that integrates energy harvesting technologies—such as triboelectric and piezoelectric nanogenerators—to drive electroporation and catalytic processes. By combining sustainable energy conversion with advanced electrochemical treatment, we aim to develop an off-grid, scalable solution for pathogen inactivation and pollutant removal. This approach is particularly promising for resource-limited regions and emergency applications, providing an efficient alternative to existing infrastructure-dependent treatment methods.

Background and Research Motivation

1.     Socioeconomic Burden of Waterborne Diseases and Micropollutants
Waterborne illnesses continue to pose a significant global threat, particularly in regions lacking sufficient sanitation infrastructure. Bacterial and viral pathogens transmitted through contaminated water can lead to serious public health crises, resulting in increased medical costs, productivity losses, and long-term socioeconomic damage. Furthermore, emerging concerns about microplastics, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants underscore the need for more advanced water treatment solutions. If these contaminants are not effectively controlled, they can degrade water resources and harm both ecosystems and human populations.

2.     Limitations of Conventional Water Treatment and the Need for Alternatives
Traditional methods—such as chlorination, ozonation, and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation—rely heavily on large-scale facilities and stable energy supplies. These processes often demand considerable capital and operational expenses, making them less feasible for remote or disaster-stricken settings. In addition, concerns have been raised about their efficacy against certain resistant microbes or newly identified micropollutants. Consequently, there is a growing push for decentralized water treatment technologies that are robust, cost-effective, and minimally dependent on external power grids.

3.     Emergence of Self-Powered Water Treatment via Energy Harvesting
Recent progress in materials engineering has accelerated the development of energy harvesting devices—including triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) and piezoelectric (Piezo) systems—that transform mechanical energy (e.g., fluid flow, vibrations, or human movement) into electrical power. When combined with electroporation or electrochemical/photocatalytic methods, these technologies could enable autonomous or “zero-power” water treatment solutions. Such an approach is particularly relevant for under-resourced areas, where standalone, self-powered systems could be rapidly deployed to enhance public health and environmental protection.

Core Concepts and Innovative Strategies

1.     Electric-Based Control of Pathogens and Microparticles
Applying low-current, high-frequency electric fields to contaminated water can induce electroporation, temporarily opening pores in microbial cell membranes and drastically reducing bacterial or viral viability. Extended electrical input may further promote the in situ formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to the oxidative degradation of organic compounds and microbial cells. Additionally, electric fields can drive coagulation or sedimentation of microplastics, colloids, and heavy metals, offering an integrated strategy to tackle multiple types of water pollutants simultaneously.

2.     Integration with Energy Harvesting
Devices based on triboelectric (TENG), and piezoelectric (PENG) principles capture ambient mechanical energy and convert it into electricity capable of powering electroporation and catalytic processes. This off-grid configuration alleviates dependence on conventional power supplies, making it well suited for remote communities and emergency scenarios. The underlying concept is that any available kinetic source—ranging from water currents to periodic vibrations—could be harnessed to activate disinfection and pollutant removal, ensuring improved water quality where power infrastructures are limited or nonexistent.

3.     Materials Engineering Approach
To optimize energy harvesting, device surfaces and internal components require specialized designs, such as nanostructured electrodes (e.g., black silicon), polymer-metal composites, and robust protective coatings. These refinements can enhance charge transfer efficiency and overall electrical output, even in wet or humid conditions. Meanwhile, electrodes or catalysts used in ROS-generating systems must exhibit strong corrosion resistance, high conductivity, and stability over time. Careful material selection, coupled with tailored semiconductor or metal oxide catalysts, can boost oxidation processes, thereby amplifying both microbial inactivation rates and pollutant breakdown.

Research Objectives and Scope

1. Advancing Energy Harvesting Technology
- Develop compact TENG/Piezo modules to efficiently convert mechanical inputs into electrical energy in real-world conditions.
- Employ surface modifications, encapsulation methods, and structural optimization to protect these devices from moisture and mechanical stress.
- Validate their ability to sustainably power electroporation units and catalytic reactors without external grid connections.
2. Mechanistic Study of Microbial and Microparticle Control
- Investigate electroporation parameters (voltage, frequency, exposure duration) for diverse pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and viruses.
- Use microscopy (SEM, fluorescence) to visualize cell membrane damage, and correlate microbial inactivation with the generation of ROS under electrochemical or photocatalytic conditions.
- Examine the electric-field-driven removal or transformation of microplastics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants, thereby evaluating the platform’s potential for comprehensive water purification.
3. Integrated Platform Development and Pilot Demonstration
- Design a prototype that combines energy harvesting modules with electroporation and ROS-based catalytic processes.
- Optimize reactor design, including electrode configuration and flow dynamics, to maximize contaminant removal from real wastewater or surface water samples.
- Conduct extended performance tests to identify long-term operational concerns, such as electrode degradation, device fatigue, or variable output.
- Perform a cost-benefit analysis to assess commercialization prospects and scalability, setting the stage for widespread deployment.

Future Directions and Broader Impact

- Explore synergy with additional green technologies (e.g., photocatalysis, low-pressure plasma) to manage a broader array of contaminants, including recalcitrant organics.
- Validate mid-scale (tens to hundreds of liters per hour) systems in field settings to confirm feasibility and evaluate user-friendliness.
- Foster collaborations with industry and governmental agencies to facilitate technology transfer, aiming for large-scale impact in areas lacking robust water treatment infrastructure.
- Investigate the possibility of real-time monitoring sensors and adaptive feedback mechanisms for more accurate control of both electroporation and catalytic reactions.

2. Planned Secondments and outgoing host

The outgoing phase will take place at Yonsei University , Energy Harvesting Laboratory of Prof Sang-Woo KIM in Seoul, South Korea.

Secondments will be agreed with the candidate, but two companies are are being considered:

1. Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) is the R&D hub of Samsung Electronics, focusing on cutting-edge research in materials, energy, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. SAIT collaborates with academic and industry partners worldwide to drive innovation in next-generation technologies.

2.LG Chem
LG Chem is a leading global chemical company specializing in advanced materials, life sciences, and sustainable solutions. It is actively engaged in battery technology, energy materials, and environmental solutions, including water treatment and green energy initiatives.

3. Planned duration of the project

36 months

Where to apply

E-mail

philippe.basset@esiee.fr

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Electrical engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. in one of the following research areas:
- Materials Science & Engineering (particularly in functional materials, nanomaterials, or sustainable materials)
- Chemical or Environmental Engineering (focused on water purification, electrochemical processes, or wastewater treatment)
- Electrical Engineering (specialized in energy-related devices, power systems, or electrochemical applications)
 

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships enhance the creative and innovative potential of researchers holding a PhD and who wish to acquire new skills through advanced training, international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral mobility. MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships will be open to excellent researchers of any nationality.

The scheme also encourages researchers to work on research and innovation projects in the non-academic sector and is open to researchers wishing to reintegrate in Europe, to those who are displaced by conflict, as well as to researchers with high potential who are seeking to restart their careers in research.

Fellowships will be provided to excellent researchers, undertaking international mobility either to or between EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, as well as to non-associated Third Countries. Applications will be made jointly by the researcher and a beneficiary in the academic or non-academic sector.

Eligibility criteria

Before applying, please make sure you checked the eligibility criteria to apply to the Post-doctoral Fellowship Call 2025: 

- You must commit to submit only one proposal to the call 2025 with one institution, Université Gustave Eiffel
- You must be postdoctoral researchers / have successfully defended your thesis at the date of the MSCA PF call deadline (September 10th, 2025). 
- You must have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research (from date of PhD award). Years of experience outside research and career breaks (e.g. due to parental leave), will not count towards the amount of research experience. 
- you must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in COUNTRY OF THE HOSTING INSTITUTION  for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline. 
- you must be nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries.

Selection process

Université Gustave Eiffel is looking for a candidate to prepare a joint application to the next Post-doctoral Fellowship call under the MSCA programme (deadline for the MSCA application: September 10th 2025). 

To apply :

1 -  Please download the Application form by clicking here

2 - Fill the Application form

3 - Send the Application form AND a Curriculum Vitae to the supervisor of the research project (Philippe Basset, philippe.basset@esiee.fr ) before March 31th, 2025.

4 - The supervisor will reach you and discuss possible joint application for the incoming 

Additional comments

What This Opportunity Offers:
•    Competitive funding under the MSCA framework (subject to proposal approval).
•    Access to state-of-the-art resources and datasets.
•    Mentorship from leading experts at University Gustave Eiffel and Yonsei University.
•    A unique blend of academic and industrial experience, preparing the fellow for leadership roles in their field.
•    Opportunities for publishing in top journals and presenting at international conferences.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Université Gustave Eiffel - ESYCOM laboratory

Country

France

City

Champs sur marne

Postal Code

77454

Street

5, Boulevard Descartes

Geofield

Contact

City

Marne-la-Vallée

Website

https://www.univ-eiffel.fr/en/

Street

5 Boulevard Descartes, Champs-sur-Marne

Postal Code

77454

E-Mail

philippe.basset@esiee.fr

STATUS: EXPIRED

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