PhD student in Polymer Chemistry - New Chemistries for the Design of Recyclable Polymers
Join the PRISM programme to develop innovative, mechanically reversible chemical groups for sustainable and recyclable polymer materials.
Best for:Best for candidates with a strong background in molecular or polymer chemistry eager to engage in interdisciplinary research.
Overview
The PRISM programme at Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) University is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on sustainable soft matter science. The successful candidate will join the C3M laboratory to work on the WISELY project, which aims to synthesize and characterize new functional groups for recyclable thermoplastics and thermosets. This interdisciplinary research involves molecular synthesis, polymer processing, and advanced characterization techniques. The project includes a mandatory research secondment at the Université catholique de Louvain to study material rheology. Applicants will be employed by ESPCI Paris and contribute to the development of eco-friendly materials for industrial applications.
What you'll do
- Synthesize and characterize new functional groups incorporating mechanically reversible chemical bonds.
- Incorporate new chemical links into various polymer matrices during synthesis or reactive processing.
- Conduct comprehensive physicochemical, thermomechanical, and tensile testing of new materials.
- Investigate the processability and recyclability of developed polymer materials.
- Collaborate with the research group at UCLouvain for linear and non-linear rheology studies.
- Participate in research secondments and contribute to scientific publications and potential patent applications.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular chemistry and/or polymer chemistry.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English: C1 (Advanced); French: Not required.
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in molecular or polymer chemistry.
- Proficiency in chemical characterization techniques such as NMR and mass spectrometry.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Advanced English proficiency (C1 level).
- Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent that entitles the holder to start a doctorate.
- Must not hold a doctoral degree.
- Must comply with the MSCA transnational mobility rule: must not have resided or worked in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the deadline.
- Must be available to start on 1 March 2027.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Paris)
Applications must be submitted in English via the official PRISM website. Candidates are encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss the research topic prior to submission.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
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