PhD Position in Flow Chemistry for CO₂ Valorisation via Plasma-Assisted Oxygen Atom Transfer
Fully funded PhD fellowship at PSL University to develop sustainable plasma-driven chemical processes for CO₂ valorisation and circular economy applications.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or plasma physics, passionate about sustainable technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Overview
This PhD position is part of the PRISM programme, a fully funded initiative at Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) University, focusing on sustainable soft matter science. The project, titled 'POAT-CO₂-V', aims to advance plasma-driven oxygen atom transfer (OAT) for CO₂ valorisation, addressing critical challenges in green chemistry and circular economy. The successful candidate will collaborate with the '2PM' group at Chimie ParisTech-PSL, led by Prof. M. Tatoulian, and work closely with two spin-offs (Energo and Plaskimia) to translate cutting-edge research into industrial applications. The project integrates plasma physics, fluid dynamics, chemical engineering, and organic chemistry to develop scalable, energy-efficient processes for sustainable chemical manufacturing.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize plasma-driven flow reactors for selective oxygen atom transfer (OAT) reactions, targeting sustainable chemical transformations.
- Conduct experimental research on plasma–liquid interactions in segmented flow microreactors, focusing on energy efficiency and selectivity.
- Collaborate with industrial partners (Energo and Plaskimia) to translate research findings into scalable, market-ready technologies.
- Perform hydrodynamic studies of gas–liquid flows using ultra-high-speed imaging, in collaboration with Prof. Daniel Bonn’s group at the University of Amsterdam.
- Analyze reaction mechanisms and product distributions using advanced analytical techniques (GC, GC-MS, NMR).
- Participate in international conferences and contribute to joint publications, fostering long-term academic-industrial collaborations.
- Engage in training programs on sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career development as part of the PRISM programme.
- Contribute to patent applications and technology transfer processes, ensuring intellectual property protection for novel findings.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or plasma physics
- Experience with experimental techniques in flow chemistry or microreactors
- Proficiency in analytical methods (GC, GC-MS, NMR)
- Familiarity with plasma diagnostics (optical emission spectroscopy, electrical characterization)
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with industrial partners
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Open to international applicants
- No specific nationality restrictions
- 1–4 years of research experience (post-Master’s)
- Applicants must be eligible for MSCA COFUND funding (EU residency rules may apply)
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Paris)
Applicants must submit their application through the PRISM programme website. The application package typically includes a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and a research proposal. Additional documents may be requested depending on the programme guidelines. Ensure all materials are submitted by the deadline (23:59 Paris time).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Research proposal outlining the applicant’s approach to the project
- Two letters of recommendation
Contact
PRISM Programme· Administrative Contact
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