INTERNSHIP DETAILS

R&D Engineer Intern

CompanyHOLCIM Group
LocationSaint-Quentin-Fallavier
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 9, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will focus on optimizing the interplay between material chemistry and surface texture to maximize bioreceptive potential. They will conduct laboratory studies to quantify the effects of chemical agents and surface texture on concrete bioreceptivity.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
41652
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Holcim is the leading partner for sustainable construction, creating value across the built environment from infrastructure and industry to buildings. We offer high-value end-to-end Building Materials and Building Solutions - from foundations and flooring to roofing and walling - powered by premium brands including ECOPlanet, ECOPact and ECOCycle®. Our more than 45,000 talented Holcim employees in 45 attractive markets - across Europe, Latin America and Asia, Middle East & Africa - are driven by our purpose to build progress for people and the planet, with sustainability and innovation at the core of everything we do.
About the Role

THE OPPORTUNITY - CONTEXT OF THE MISSIONS

Global demand for resilient coastal defense has made engineered structures like breakwaters and marine caissons essential components of modern maritime infrastructure. As a leader in sustainable building solutions, Holcim focuses not only on the structural performance of its materials but also on maximizing the ecological value these structures provide.  Bioreceptivity is the material's intrinsic capacity to promote the rapid, healthy development of life, beginning with primary biofilms. The bioreceptive surfaces function as effective habitats, accelerating the colonization of marine life and supporting the restoration of local ecosystems, directly addressing the growing requirement for Eco-Engineered solutions.

This six-month internship focuses on optimizing the synergistic interplay between material chemistry and surface texture to maximize bioreceptive potential. Specifically, the research aims to confirm and quantify the following effects on concrete bioreceptivity through controlled laboratory studies:

 

MISSIONS

  • Cementitious and chemical additions: Quantify the efficacy of specific chemical agents and cement additives on the bioreceptivity of the concrete matrix.
  • Physical properties: Validate the principle that specific surface roughness/texture can enhance the biofilm growth.
  • The intern will deliver a Master 2 thesis report and a final presentation, furnishing quantitative data that will be instrumental in establishing material guidelines for maritime concrete. This will enable the optimization of surface finish and material selection to achieve boosted ecological value.

 

DESIRED PROFILE

 

DESIRED SKILLS

 

 Soft skills:

  • Proactive and curious,
  • Able to work independently as well as collaboratively,
  • Possess strong problem-solving abilities.

 

  Hard skills:

  • Solid background in materials science, particularly with cementitious materials,
  • Experience with laboratory experimental work.
  • Knowledge of marine eco-engineering principles would also be a significant advantage.

 

  EDUCATIONAL LEVEL : TRAINING

  • Master's degrees in Materials Science, Construction Materials, Civil Engineering, or Marine Eco-Engineering.

 

  Spoken languages : Fluency in English is essential, and proficiency in French would be beneficial for daily    

  interactions within the team.

                                                         

  FURTHER INFORMATION

   Duration:  6 Months

   Start date: Mid February to the beginning of March 2026 (flexible)

   Holcim site (Holcim Innovation Center): Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, approximately 30 km east of Lyon (accessible by public transport).  Do you want to work in an international and dynamic working environment that helps       you to grow? We are looking for future talents to join our team to build progress for people and the planet.

Key Skills
ProactiveCuriousIndependent WorkCollaborative WorkProblem-SolvingMaterials ScienceCementitious MaterialsLaboratory Experimental WorkMarine Eco-Engineering
Categories
EngineeringScience & ResearchEnvironmental & SustainabilityConstruction