R&D Project Engineer at Oritain in Pau, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, FR

About the Role

The R&D Project Engineer is responsible for designing, carrying out and interpreting isotopic analyses of industrial materials for the traceability of semiconductor raw material sourcing, as part of AiA's contribution to the WISER project, a European Horizon-funded research programme.

Reporting to the AiA CEO, you will lead experimental design, conduct isotopic and multi-elemental analyses using MC-ICP-MS and ICP-MS, and apply statistical approaches suited to traceability to interpret your findings. You will contribute to scientific publications, present at international conferences, and play an active role in project monitoring, reporting and delivery.

This is a role for a rigorous, autonomous scientist who is comfortable working across both research and commercial contexts, and who is energised by the opportunity to apply advanced isotope geochemistry to tangible socio-economical questions in supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing.

Why Join Now

AiA is at an exciting point in its development, expanding its scientific capabilities and taking on high-profile European research programmes that sit at the intersection of advanced geochemistry and global supply chain challenges. This is an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that has genuine commercial and societal impact, within a highly specialised team with a strong track record of scientific impact.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Research & Analysis

• Design and lead experiments addressing the WISER project's scientific questions.
• Contribute to the definition of the sampling strategy.
• Keep abreast of relevant scientific literature and developments.
• Interpret analytical data and apply statistical approaches suited to traceability.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

Laboratory Work

• Perform sample preparation including grinding, digestion and purification of material samples.
• Perform isotopic analyses using MC-ICP-MS, with a focus on Si, Ag and Sb isotopic systems.
• Perform multi-elemental analysis using ICP-MS.
• Participate in instrument maintenance and general laboratory upkeep.
• Adhere to all health and safety requirements associated with laboratory chemicals, gases and equipment.
• Maintain rigorous quality control and quality assurance across all laboratory work, in line with AiA's quality systems.

Project Management & Reporting

• Drive project progress and compliance, ensuring key milestones and deadlines are met.
• Prepare regular internal reports and provide updates to the project consortium.
• Contribute to administrative and financial project monitoring.
• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of AiA's project deliverables.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

You will hold a PhD or equivalent postdoctoral research experience in Geochemistry, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science or a closely related field, with specialisation in non-traditional isotope geochemistry. You will have demonstrated, hands-on proficiency with MC-ICP-MS isotopic analyses and ICP-MS multi-element analyses, including all related sample preparation.

Strong analytical and data interpretation skills are essential, including experience applying statistical approaches to complex analytical datasets. You will have high attention to detail, a strong commitment to laboratory quality and safety, and the scientific rigour and autonomy to manage your own workload in a fast-paced commercially focused laboratory environment.

You will be comfortable communicating your work to different audiences and collaborating across scientific, technical and commercial teams. Fluency in both French and English, written and spoken is required.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is curious, proactive and solutions-focused, with a genuine interest in applying scientific research to real-world challenges.

Job Benefits

• The opportunity to work at the frontier of applied isotope geochemistry on research with genuine real-world impact.
• Involvement in high-profile European Horizon-funded research, contributing to scientific publications and international conference presentations.
• Autonomy to lead your own experimental programme within a specialist, ambitious scientific team.
• The opportunity to be part of the wider Oritain Group, connecting you with a global network of scientific, data and commercial expertise.
• Competitive salary
• Access to our learning portal with over 100,000 assets for professional development

We believe great teams are built from different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking. We welcome applications from everyone and encourage you to bring your whole self to the process. If there is anything we can do to support you at any stage of hiring, please let the team know.