Context
Anaerobic digestion is a key technology for the energy transition and circular economy, enabling the production of biogas and fertilizers from organic waste. However, the management of liquid digestate remains a major challenge: its low nutrient concentration, instability (particularly regarding nitrogen), and potential presence of pathogens limit its agronomic valorization. Current solutions are often costly, energy-intensive, and reserved for large-scale facilities.
The Nomos project, developed by Darwin Wu (entrepreneur) in collaboration with the European Institute of Membranes (IEM, CNRS/University of Montpellier), offers an innovative solution for the nitrification of liquid digestate using a low-tech membrane bioprocess. This process stabilizes nitrogen, concentrates nutrients, and sanitizes the digestate while reducing costs and carbon footprint. Supported by academic (Booster Innovation, CNRS Prématuration) and private funding, the project aims to accelerate its development (from TRL 4 to 6) for commercialization planned in 2026–2027.
Scientific and Technical Context
The Nomos bioreactor uses a gravity-driven membrane process to nitrify digestate while retaining bacteria and pathogens. Current tests (TRL 4) show:
A nitrogen conversion rate of >90%.
Reduced energy consumption (1 kWh/mÂł, with a goal to reduce it by a factor of 3 by 2026).
A final digestate that is transparent, odorless, and stable, with validated agronomic efficiency (Keq ~70% compared to raw digestate).
The intern will contribute to:
Optimizing the monitoring of key parameters (pH, temperature, aeration).
Testing operational conditions to improve process stability.
Participating in the preparation of real-world trials (scale-up).
This internship is intended for students at the Bachelor’s level (Bac+3) or equivalent (BTS, DUT, Licence Pro) in biology, chemistry, process engineering, or environmental science. The missions include:
Physicochemical characterization and monitoring of digestates and the prototype (pH, dissolved oxygen, colorimetric assays, sample preparation for chromatographic analysis).
Participation in the maintenance and monitoring of nitrification pilots (membrane bioreactor, aerobic granules).
Occasional assembly and repair of experimental pilots (reuse and circular economy approach).
Literature review on nitrification processes, aerobic granules, and agronomic valorization of digestates.
Required Skills:
Proficiency in physicochemical analysis techniques (sampling, dilution, filtration).
Rigor, autonomy, and ability to work in a team.
Interest in DIY, low-tech innovation, and agroecological transition issues.
Desired Personal Qualities:
Motivation to learn and adapt to new situations.
Sensitivity to environmental issues and circular economy.
Compensation and Conditions
Legal internship allowance (4.05 €/hour, 35 hours/week).
Supervision by a multidisciplinary team (entrepreneur, researchers, engineers).
Immersion in a project with high environmental and economic impact.
Application
Please send your CV and cover letter to Geoffroy Lesage
Location: European Institute of Membranes (Montpellier).