PhD Student in Chemistry - Functional Soft Matter for Sustainable Metal Extraction
Develop innovative soft matter-based materials for the selective recovery of critical metals from electronic waste.
Best for:Best for chemists or materials scientists with a strong interest in polymer synthesis, coordination chemistry, and sustainable process engineering.
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 work at the Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris to develop functional polymer architectures for the selective extraction of critical metals from waste electrical and electronic equipment. This interdisciplinary project combines molecular design, polymer chemistry, and process engineering to address circular economy challenges. The role involves both fundamental research and industrial collaboration, including a mandatory international secondment.
What you'll do
- Design and synthesize functional polymer architectures for selective metal recognition.
- Investigate thermodynamic speciation of target elements using modeling tools like PHREEQC.
- Fabricate structured materials including membranes, porous beads, and 3D-printed architectures.
- Evaluate material performance through batch, membrane, and column separation experiments.
- Collaborate with industrial partners to align material design with operational recycling constraints.
- Participate in a mandatory international secondment of at least one month.
- Integrate experimental results with reactive transport modeling to optimize separation processes.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 (advanced)
Instruction: English
- Strong background in physical chemistry, coordination chemistry, or polymer science.
- Solid experimental skills in material synthesis and characterization.
- Proficiency in analytical techniques for material evaluation.
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry and engineering.
- Advanced English proficiency (minimum C1 level).
- Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Paris)
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official PRISM programme website. Ensure all required documentation is prepared and uploaded before the deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Research statement
Contact
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