Work-Study Program L3 Métiers de la Chimie
Work-Study Program – L3 Chemistry (Métiers de la Chimie)
September 1, 2025 – August 28, 2026
Laboratory Technician: Performing laboratory analyses, preparing practical sessions, maintaining equipment, and carrying out measurements and field sampling.
ENGEES (École Nationale du Génie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement de Strasbourg) is an engineering school specialized in water, environmental, and sustainability fields. My work-study program takes place within the LEE laboratory (Laboratory of Water Studies), an ISO 9001-certified laboratory, ensuring rigorous, standardized, and quality-oriented working methods.
The laboratory is structured into two complementary sectors: an education unit, dedicated to teaching and student practical sessions, and a quality control unit, responsible for water analysis and monitoring. This organization allows me to evolve in an environment that is both academic and professional, closely aligned with the requirements of the environmental sector.
My Project at ENGEES
At ENGEES, I was fully involved in the activities of the LEE laboratory, across analytical, educational, and organizational aspects. I contributed to environmental chemical analyses on various matrices such as water, soil, and plant samples, while also supporting waste management, routine laboratory operations, and equipment maintenance.
A significant part of my work focused on the metrological monitoring of balances and pipettes, ensuring measurement reliability in compliance with quality standards. I also provided technical and educational support to the school’s training programs, particularly during practical sessions in chemistry and process engineering, as well as in research projects and continuing education programs.
My work-study experience allowed me to actively contribute to the implementation and drafting of standardized analytical protocols, particularly for TOC analysis using a TOC analyzer (in accordance with EN ISO 20236) and for ICP-AES analysis (according to NF EN ISO 11885).
These responsibilities enabled me to develop a rigorous approach to analysis, focused on reliability, traceability of results, and compliance with standards, while fully integrating into the operations of an ISO 9001-certified laboratory.
Key Technical Skills Developed
Environmental Chemical Analysis
Conducting chemical analyses on water, soil, and plant samples according to standardized protocols.
Preparation, treatment, and analysis of environmental samples.
Understanding the issues of representativeness and reliability of analytical results.
Analytical Instrumentation
Handling and use of a TOC analyzer (Total Organic Carbon).
Implementation and use of ICP-AES for metal analysis according to NF EN ISO 11885.
Use of a digester for COD, TKN, and metal analyses.
Handling of common laboratory equipment:
automatic burette
analytical balances
distillation apparatus
Critical interpretation of results obtained from analytical instruments.
Standards, Quality and Metrology
Application of the requirements of an ISO 9001-certified laboratory.
Complete drafting of a TOC analysis protocol according to EN ISO 20236 (new standard, new instrument).
Participation in the development and improvement of analytical protocols.
Metrological monitoring of balances and pipettes (traceability, compliance).
Reading, understanding, and application of quality documents:
Procedures
Instructions
Quality system
Educational and Technical Support
Preparation of practical sessions in chemistry and process engineering.
Participation in the supervision of practical sessions with students.
Technical support for research projects and continuing education programs.
Adaptation of protocols and equipment to pedagogical objectives.
Laboratory Management
Management of chemical waste according to safety and compliance rules.
Management and maintenance of routine laboratory equipment.
Organization of the workstation in accordance with hygiene and safety rules.
Applied Scientific Methodology
Conducting analyses following a structured approach:
Definition of the objective
Choice of the protocol
Experimental execution
Validation of results
Implementation of a logic of reproducibility, traceability, and analytical reliability.
Progressive adaptation to the requirements of an academic and professional environment.
Soft Skills Developed
Rigor and sense of responsibility: strict compliance with protocols, analytical standards (ISO), and quality requirements in an ISO 9001-certified environment.
Organization and time management: efficient planning of analyses, practical session preparation, and administrative tasks, while meeting academic and technical deadlines.
Progressive autonomy: ability to independently carry out analytical and documentation tasks after authorization, while seeking supervision when necessary.
Adaptability: rapid adjustment to different contexts, alternating between educational activities (practical sessions, supervision) and quality control / environmental analysis.
Writing skills: clear and structured drafting of standardized analytical protocols (TOC, ICP-AES), procedures, and quality documents.
Analytical and synthesis skills: overall understanding of analytical challenges, interpretation of results, and alignment with pedagogical or control objectives.
Teamwork: close collaboration with academic staff, laboratory technicians, and students in a multidisciplinary environment.
Professional communication: clear and precise communication with various stakeholders (teaching staff, technical staff, supervisors), adapted to different levels of technical expertise.
Teaching mindset: technical support and guidance for students during practical sessions, with a supportive and structured approach.
Quality mindset and continuous improvement: integration of quality system requirements, with a focus on reliability, traceability, and optimization of laboratory practices.