Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers
- Research Field: Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 1 Oct 2026 - 17:30 (Europe/Brussels)
- Country: France
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours Per Week: 38.5
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Dec 2026
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Horizon Europe - MSCA
Offer Description
The proposed solution and innovation, driven by the Mecat network, centers on establishing the integrated European framework where the development of mechanocatalysis is a cohesive, closed-loop process. The central innovation is the mechanocatalysis, which proactively embeds sustainability by ensuring that metrics are design parameters rather than retrospective evaluations. This is achieved through the direct integration of real-time data from operando-instrumented mechanochemical platforms (such as ball mills and extruders, delivering multimodal datasets like Raman and FTIR) into predictive kinetic and reactor models. These models subsequently inform validated Integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) workflows, which guide the design of catalysts and process optimisation. The crucial move toward industrial relevance, and a core strength of Mecat, is the guaranteed ability to achieve pilot-scale implementation, secured by the direct availability of necessary advanced reactors within the consortium. Mecat's unique structure is not limited to lab-bench scale; its industrial partners and research pillars provide collective access to specialized, high-throughput equipment, including twin-screw extruders, Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) systems, and industrial mills. This collective infrastructure allows the seamless translation of powder-scale discoveries to continuous processing and validation at the kilogram scale. By unifying this methodology from lab to pilot scale through five interconnected pillars- mechanistic elucidation, catalyst design, pilot-scale implementation, quantitative sustainability benchmarking, and interdisciplinary doctoral training- Mecat establishes the foundations for reproducible, industry-ready, solvent-free catalysis and polymer upcycling/recycling, directly addressing the current immaturity of the field. Together, these pillars create an integrated innovation pipeline that aligns directly with MSCA DN objectives: high-quality, interdisciplinary training; intersectoral mobility; and the development of researchers equipped to drive Europe's green transition.
Beneficiaries & Research Institutions
Mecat brings together nine leading academic institutions and 12 non-academic partners, forming a uniquely comprehensive consortium that covers the entire mechanocatalysis value chain. This alignment is not found in any current MSCA DN or Horizon Europe project.
- Academic leaders (UP, UNICA, BAM, RUB, UoB, UU) provide expertise in mechanochemistry, catalysis, polymer chemistry and operando methods, while ENS Lyon and HUB will deliver the doctorate diploma only.
- Applied research organisations (IFPEN, FCBA, Fraunhofer) bridge fundamental discoveries with process engineering and industrial validation.
- Technology providers (Retsch, Microtrac, WAB, HTE Gmbh) supply advanced mechanochemical reactors, mill instrumentation and high-throughput platforms.
- Industrial end-users (Saint-Gobain, Syensqo, Johnson Matthey, ARD) define real-world constraints, host secondments and provide pilot-scale environments.
- Sustainability experts (UBx, WeLOOP) ensure that LCA and TEA steer decision-making throughout the project.
This consortium ensures complete coverage of all required competencies, from laboratory-scale mechanistic insight to industrial demonstration and provides DCs with a vibrant intersectoral training environment. The continuous exchange of materials, data, and models among partners embeds each DC in a real, functioning innovation chain, rather than isolated research tasks.
Project description:
The project aims to develop continuous mechanocatalytic systems for the efficient depolymerisation of biopolymers, with precise control over material flow, mechanical energy input, and reaction conditions. The research will focus on transferring mechanochemical depolymerisation from batch processes to continuous operation, with the objective of developing scalable and sustainable approaches for biopolymer valorisation.
The researcher will investigate the reaction kinetics and catalytic performance under continuous operating conditions and will assess the influence of key process parameters, including flow rate, energy input, residence time, and catalyst loading, on depolymerisation efficiency and product selectivity. Systematic optimization of these parameters will be carried out to maximize conversion, product yield, and selectivity while minimizing energy consumption and waste generation.
The project will combine continuous mechanochemical processing with appropriate characterization and analytical methods to understand the relationship between operating conditions, catalyst performance, and biopolymer depolymerisation. Particular attention will be given to the stability and reproducibility of the continuous system and to identifying operating conditions that enable stable and efficient long-term operation.
The expected outcomes include a functional continuous mechanocatalytic setup demonstrating stable operation, improved reaction rates and selectivity under continuous conditions, and optimized process parameters enabling higher process efficiency and product yield. Ultimately, the project will demonstrate the feasibility of scalable, energy-efficient, and low-waste mechanocatalytic processing for sustainable biopolymer conversion and production of valuable products.
The project includes two planned secondments. The first will take place at FCBA (Research and Technology Organization, S. Tapin Lingua; 2 months) and will focus on complementary characterization tests to support the evaluation of materials, catalysts, and reaction products. The second will take place at HTE GmbH (S. Schunk; 3 months) and will focus on process scale-up, providing practical experience in transferring the continuous mechanocatalytic system from laboratory scale toward larger-scale operation.
Where to apply
E-mail: karine.vigier@univ-poitiers.fr
Requirements
- Research Field: Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidate's profile:
The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline. A strong interest in mechanochemistry, catalysis, polymer/biopolymer conversion, and sustainable process development is highly desirable.
The candidate should have a good understanding of reaction kinetics, heterogeneous catalysis, polymer chemistry, and/or chemical reaction engineering, together with practical experience in laboratory experimentation. Previous experience with mechanochemical processing, ball milling, continuous-flow systems, catalytic depolymerisation, or biopolymer conversion will be considered an advantage.
Experience with catalyst preparation and characterization, analysis of reaction products, and quantitative evaluation of conversion, selectivity, and product yield would be beneficial. Knowledge of process optimization, reactor design, process control, and scale-up would also be an asset.
The candidate should demonstrate strong experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to systematically investigate the influence of process parameters on reaction performance. The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and international research team is essential.
The successful candidate should be highly motivated by sustainable chemistry, biopolymer valorisation, mechanocatalysis, continuous processing, and circular-economy technologies. Willingness to work in both academic and industrial environments and to undertake the planned secondments is expected. Good scientific communication and writing skills, adaptability, scientific curiosity, and a proactive approach to research are essential qualities for the position.
Doctoral candidates will spend time two secondments during their 36 months employment contracts. Anticipated secondments for this position are: FCBA and HTE
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document to karine.vigier@univ-poitiers.fr
- A detailed CV (maximum two pages), specifying educational background (name of university/universities, year degree(s) obtained, title(s) of degree(s)), qualifications, work experience, skills, research interests, list of publications (if any) and the names and contact details of two referees.
- A motivation letter (maximum two pages), describing the candidate's interest in the network, previous research experience, and current research interest outlining the fit to the desired PhD Project. If you are planning to apply to more than one position in the network, please limit your applications to three positions maximum (from DC1 to DC15) and please provide a separate document detailing which positions you have applied for.
- Copy of passport or National Identify Card.
- Copies of academic certificates (BSc, MSc, and any other relevant diplomas), translated into English, including expected final grade and date.
- Proof of English proficiency, demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, or a university certification confirming that the degree or MSc thesis was conducted in English.
- Two recommendation letters (maximum 1 page each).
Only documents in English will be accepted.
Applications failing to include the requested documentation, who do not indicate the preferred projects or do not meet the eligibility criteria, will not be considered.
For more information about the project: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/
Specific Requirements
- Research Field: Catalysis and material synthesis
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Languages: ENGLISH, Level Excellent
- Languages: ENGLISH
- Level: Excellent
- Research Field: Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
Additional Information
Benefits
- Cutting-edge research training in oligonucleotide-based therapies for rare diseases.
- First-hand experience in catalysis and mechanochemistry
- International, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral mobility, with secondments across Europe.
- Joint supervision by leading experts from academia and industry.
- Participation in international conferences, workshops, and transferable skills training.
- Competitive salary, mobility allowance following MSCA-DN funding rules.
An attractive salary in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action regulations for doctoral candiates is offered.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for one of these PhD positions, the applicant must fulfil the following conditions at the day of recruitment:
- MSc degree. Candidates must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering or related fields. Candidates must not have been awarded a previous PhD degree.
- English proficiency: Applicants must have excellent English proficiency, at least B2 level (written and spoken).
Selection process
The selection process will be conducted in two stages:
- An initial interview will be carried out by the supervisors to shortlist up to two candidates for each Doctoral Candidate (DC) position.
- Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a second interview with the Selection Committee, which will make the final recruitment decision.
Additional comments
The PhD title will be awarded by the University of Poitiers France.
The desired research field for candidates is catalysis.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: IC2MP
- Country: France
Contact
- State/Province: France
- City: poitiers
- Website: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr
- Street: 1 rue marcel doré
- Postal Code: 86073
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