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 solvent-free mechanochemical depolymerisation processes for polyolefin and polyurethane membranes, with a particular focus on polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyurethane (PU). The research will investigate the potential of mechanical activation to promote polymer degradation under sustainable and low-waste conditions and to recover valuable chemical building blocks for subsequent reuse.
The researcher will develop and optimize mechanochemical depolymerisation protocols and will identify and quantify the resulting products, including monomers, oligomers, and functional molecular fragments. Particular attention will be given to understanding the relationship between mechanical input parameters, such as milling frequency, treatment time, mechanical load, and energy input, and the molecular degradation pathways of solid polymers.
The project will combine mechanochemical processing with advanced chemical and structural characterization to establish a comprehensive understanding of mechanochemical activation and depolymerisation mechanisms in solid polymers. The selectivity, efficiency, and energy footprint of the developed processes will be evaluated to identify conditions that maximize the recovery of valuable products while minimizing energy consumption.
A further objective is to demonstrate the circular reuse and upcycling potential of the recovered products, including their incorporation into new polymer formulations or their use as feedstocks for re-polymerisation. The research will ultimately provide transferable protocols and process parameters that can support future industrial scale-up of sustainable polymer recycling technologies.
The expected results include a proof-of-concept for solvent-free and selective depolymerisation of PP, PE, and PU membranes, an improved understanding of mechanochemical degradation mechanisms, and the identification of valuable products suitable for upcycling or re-polymerisation. The project will also deliver transferable experimental protocols and optimized process parameters relevant to industrial implementation and scale-up.
The project includes two planned secondments. The first will take place at University of Utrecht (I. Vollmer; 3 months), where the researcher will gain experience using an alternative mechanochemistry device and compare processing approaches. The second will take place at Saint-Gobain (M. Petit; 6 months) and will focus on complementary characterization of the materials and depolymerisation products, providing additional insight into their structure and properties.
Where to apply
E-mail: karine.vigier@univ-poitiers.fr
Requirements
- Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A strong interest in polymer science, mechanochemistry, sustainable chemistry, or chemical recycling is highly desirable.
The candidate should have a good understanding of polymer chemistry and polymer degradation, together with practical experience in laboratory synthesis, processing, or characterization of polymeric materials. Experience with polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polymer recycling, depolymerisation, or upcycling will be considered a strong advantage.
Knowledge of mechanochemistry and ball-milling techniques would be beneficial, particularly experience relating mechanical parameters to chemical or structural transformations. Familiarity with analytical techniques for identifying and quantifying polymer degradation products and molecular fragments would also be advantageous.
The candidate should possess strong experimental, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with an interest in understanding reaction mechanisms and establishing relationships between processing conditions and molecular transformations. Experience with data analysis, characterization of polymers, and evaluation of process efficiency or energy consumption would be an asset.
The successful candidate should be motivated by sustainable polymer recycling, circular-economy technologies, mechanochemical processing, and polymer upcycling. The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an international and multidisciplinary research consortium is essential. Good scientific communication and writing skills, adaptability, curiosity, and a proactive approach to research are expected.
Doctoral candidates will spend time two secondments during their 36 months employment contracts. Anticipated secondments for this position are: UU and Saint-Gobain
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.
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 » Inorganic chemistry
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
Website for additional job details: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/
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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