Job Information
Organisation/Company: Institut des Sciences Moléculaires (ISM), Université de Bordeaux
Research Field: Chemistry » Other
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: 37.5
Offer Starting Date: 1 Dec 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Horizon Europe - MSCA
Reference Number: 101312362
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
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:
We are seeking an excellent and motivated PhD candidate to conduct the Life Cycle Assessment and Techno economic analysis of mechanocatalytic technologies developed within the project. The key responsibilities include,
- Develop the goal and scope definition and environmental and cost life cycle inventories for mechanocatalytic recycling of polymers and metals using experimental and literature data.
- Using the inventories, conduct a preliminary laboratory-level comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment (TEA) against conventional thermal and solvent-based recycling methods.
- Using the assessments, model process scale-up scenarios from laboratory to pilot-scale mechanocatalytic systems and provide eco-design recommendations
- Check the eco-design measures taken into account by other WPs and provide environmental and economic sustainability assessments data for the development done jointly with guidelines to inform the design of integrated recycling systems.
Where to apply
E-mail: guido.sonnemann@u-bordeaux.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical, Process or Environmental Engineering, Industrial Ecology, Chemical Engineering, Sustainability Science, Economics, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience with Life Cycle Assessment.
- Experience with LCA software such as SimaPro, GaBi, OpenLCA or Brightway2.
- Experience or strong interest in techno-economic assessment, LCC, or cost modelling.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary context.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (knowledge of French is an advantage).
Doctoral candidates will have two secondments during their 36-month employment contracts. Anticipated secondments for this position are:
(1). University of Utrecht, the Netherlands, 6 months
During the secondment, the PhD candidate will gain hands-on experience in mechanocatalytic depolymerization of polyolefins using surface-activated mechanocatalysts. The candidate will work under Ina Vollmer, with state-of-the-art methodologies developed and patented at the University of Utrecht to understand how mechanical strain can drive selective bond cleavage and enhance plastic waste recycling into chemical building blocks. This secondment will provide essential experimental insights and access to environmental and cost inventory data that will complement the candidate's core work on life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment of mechanocatalytic recycling pathways.
2. WeLOOP, France, 4 months
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document named using your full name and must be sent via email to.
- Professor Guido Sonnemann — guido.sonnemann@u-bordeaux.fr
- Catalina Sanabria — catalina.sanabria@u-bordeaux.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.
Specific Requirements
Research Field : Sustainability Assessment, in particular LCA and TEA.
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Languages : ENGLISH, Level Excellent
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Chemistry
Additional Information
Benefits
- Cutting-edge research training in oligonucleotide-based therapies for rare diseases.
- First-hand experience in the assessment of environmental and economic performance of mechanocatalytic technologies.
- A stimulating research environment at Université de Bordeaux, a world-class center for life cycle assessment and sustainable chemistry.
- 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 Bordeaux.
The desired research topic for candidates is Life Cycle Assessment and Techno Economic Analysis of mechanocatalytic technologies.
Website for additional job details: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Institut des Sciences Moléculaires (ISM), Université de Bordeaux
Country: France
Contact
City: Bordeaux
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