PhD: Functional Polymers for Embedded Electronics in Additive Manufacturing

Develop novel 3D/4D printed smart materials and conductive polymer systems for embedded electronic applications.

Best for:Best for materials science or polymer engineering graduates with an interest in additive manufacturing and smart electronic devices.

Université Grenoble Alpes · Metz, France · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at Université Grenoble Alpes

Additive ManufacturingFunctional PolymersEmbedded ElectronicsRheologySmart Materials

Deadline

Oct 31, 2026

16 days

Funding

Salaried

CEA contract

Start date

2026-09-01

Fixed-term

Location

Metz

France

Overview

This doctoral project investigates the development of advanced additive manufacturing processes for integrating smart materials and electronic functions directly into 3D parts. Based at the MAPP platform within CEA-Metz and associated with Université Grenoble Alpes, the research focuses on functional conductive polymers composed of organic matrices and metallic particles. The candidate will study material processing, rheological and electrical behaviors, and percolation thresholds to design innovative 3D sensors and 4D actuators. The position offers access to state-of-the-art characterization facilities and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team specializing in materials science, microelectronics, and additive manufacturing.

3D printing4D printingConductive polymersPercolation thresholdSensors and actuatorsMaterial characterization

What you'll do

Design and optimize functional conductive polymer formulations using organic matrices and metallic particles
Perform direct-to-shape printing of electronic functions via Fused Deposition Modeling and Paste Extrusion Modeling
Investigate the rheological, electrical, resistive, piezoresistive, and piezoelectric properties of printed materials
Analyze conduction mechanisms including direct contact, tunneling effects, and ionic conduction governed by percolation thresholds
Characterize manufactured samples using advanced laboratory and platform facilities
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team across materials science, microelectronics, and manufacturing

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Microelectronics, or related discipline

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English or French proficiency as required by the doctoral school; specific language requirements are minimal.

Instruction: English / French

Required skills

Strong background in materials science or polymer physics
Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes or polymer processing
Understanding of electrical and rheological properties of composite materials
Ability to operate advanced laboratory characterization equipment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for experimental research

Nice to have

Prior experience with Fused Deposition Modeling or Paste Extrusion ModelingKnowledge of smart materials, sensors, or actuatorsExperience in microelectronics integration or printed electronics

Eligibility

Must hold a recognized master's degree or equivalent qualification enabling doctoral enrollment

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

CEA contract

Duration

36 months

Programme

CEA

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-10-31

Interested candidates should apply through the official portal or contact the listed supervisor via email with the required academic documents. Ensure all application materials are submitted prior to the stated deadline.

Documents required