Badredine Berfai

Chemist with a Ph.D. in Lignocellulosic Materials Science and Engineering (UQTR, 2026) and a master's degree in applied chemistry, with an interdisciplinary background spanning fundamental and applied chemistry, process engineering, functional materials, sustainable separation, water treatment, and critical resource recovery. Postdoctoral researcher at Polytechnique Montréal and Impact Global Solutions (lithium recovery from black mass). Specialist in formulation, chemical modification, electrospinning, and materials characterization, with field experience handling hazardous materials and WHMIS and TDG certifications.

Rigorous, methodical, and self-directed, comfortable both in the laboratory and with writing technical reports and scientific articles, and accustomed to carrying out applied research projects with institutional and industry partners. Eligible for membership in the Ordre des chimistes du Québec.

Postdoctoral Researcher – Lithium Recovery from Black Mass - Polytechnique Montréal et Impact Global Solutions (IGS)

(2026-10)

• Developing processes to recover lithium from black mass as part of an applied research project in collaboration with an industry partner

Labpack Technician – Hazardous Materials - GFL Environnement - Chambly (QC)

(2026-09 - 2026-10)

• Handling, sorting, and packaging hazardous materials in compliance with TDG and WHMIS requirements
• Applying laboratory practices and health, safety, and environmental standards in an operational setting

Chemical Technician – Labpack - Veolia - Chambly (QC)

(2026-06 - 2026-06)

• Sorting, packaging, and handling hazardous materials for safe transportation and storage
• Conducting physicochemical tests and maintaining thorough documentation

Doctoral Researcher – Electrospinning and Functional Membrane Materials - Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) - Trois-Rivières (QC)

(2021 - 2026)

• Designed and formulated a bio-based composite material (chitosan and cellulose membranes and nanofibers) for the selective recovery of critical metals from electronic waste
• Independently planned and carried out the entire project: critical literature review, experimental design, formulation, electrospinning fabrication (5 years of experience), chemical modification, plasma treatment, and performance testing (adsorption, kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics, regeneration)
• Conducted comprehensive physicochemical characterization of materials (FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, SEM-EDX, BET, pHPZC, ICP-OES) and analyzed multidimensional datasets
• Wrote three publications, internal reports, and the thesis; presented results at six national and international conferences
• Mentored interns (including students from Université de Toulouse) and undergraduate and master's students; proctored exams; conducted science outreach with the Réseau québécois en énergie intelligente (RQEI)

Project Lead – FEU Vert Initiative (Responsible Management of Laboratory Materials) - UQTR / I2E3

• Designed and carried out an initiative to collect, manage, and recover materials generated by laboratory activities, in coordination with institutional services (SGIAI, SPP) to ensure compliance with safety and environmental practices

E-commerce Associate - Walmart - Trois-Rivières (QC)

(2021 - 2021)

• Prepared online orders in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines and quality standards; collaborated with the logistics team

Applied Research Intern – Capstone Project - Laboratoire SEA2M - Mostaganem (Algérie)

(2019 - 2019)

• Chemically modified starch (hydrolysis, grafting, crosslinking, esterification); monitored reactions according to operating conditions and degree of substitution; conducted structural, morphological, and rheological characterization

Laboratory Intern - Office algérien interprofessionnel des céréales (OAIC) - Mostaganem (Algérie)

(2018 - 2018)

• Conducted physicochemical analyses and quality control of cereal products; maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment

Quality Control Intern - Groupe METIDJI - Mostaganem (Algérie)

(2017 - 2017)

• Performed quality control of raw materials and finished food products; followed hygiene, safety, and traceability standards

Intern - SONATRACH, complexe pétrochimique CP1-Z - Arzew (Algérie)

(2017 - 2017)

• Introduction to methanol, formaldehyde, and urea-formaldehyde resin production processes; instrumentation and control room

Ph.D.

• Lignocellulosic Materials Science and Engineering - Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) (2021 - 2026)

Master's degree - Applied Chemistry - Université Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem (Algérie) (2017 - 2019)

Bachelor's degree - Fundamental Chemistry - Université Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem (Algérie) (2014 - 2017)