4 May 2026
Hosting Information
- Offer Deadline: Wed, 9 Sep 2026 - 16:00
- EU Research Framework Programme: Horizon Europe - MSCA
- Country: Türkiye
- City: Istanbul
Organisation/Institute
- Organisation / Company: Sabanci University
- Department: Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Laboratory: Yusuf Menceloglu Research Group
- Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Contact Information
- Organisation / Company Type: Higher Education Institution
- Website: https://www.sabanciuniv.edu/en/
- Website: https://people.sabanciuniv.edu/yusufm/
- Email: [contact details available in the full listing], [contact details available in the full listing], [contact details available in the full listing]
Description
The Materials Science and Nano Engineering Program at Sabanci University invites outstanding postdoctoral researchers to apply for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call.The host group welcomes researchers interested in advanced polymeric materials, sustainable polymers, polymer recycling and upcycling, bio-based materials, polymer processing, and structure-property relationships.
HOST INSTITUTION
Sabanci University
On a national level, SU has been one of the most successful universities in Turkiye in terms of the number of EU Framework Programmes funded projects per faculty member. The Sabanci University Research and Technology Transfer Office (SUATT) is well-structured to manage 262 active projects simultaneously, with approximately 57% of the total budget allocated to EU projects.
Research at SU is an interdisciplinary effort extending across science, technology, and arts. Academic activities are performed within the framework of three faculties composed of non-departmental and interdisciplinary programs: the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the School of Management. Together, these units host 12 undergraduate, 52 graduate, and 17 doctoral programs. SU also hosts several research centers, including the Integrated Manufacturing Research and Application Center (SU-IMC), Data Analytics Research and Application Center (VERIM), and the Center of Excellence in Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN).
Materials Science and Nano Engineering Program
The Materials Science and Nano Engineering Program focuses on the design, synthesis, processing, characterization, and application of advanced materials, including polymers, ceramics, metals, nanomaterials, and hybrid systems. The program provides an interdisciplinary research environment linking chemistry, physics, biology, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science.
The program aims to develop materials with advanced structural and functional properties for applications in areas such as sustainable polymers, fire-retardant materials, composites, biomedical materials, optical and electronic devices, coatings, and drug delivery systems.
Research Profile and Environment
Research activities led by Prof. Yusuf Z. Menceloglu focus on advanced polymeric materials and sustainable material systems. Yusuf Menceloglu Research Group (https://people.sabanciuniv.edu/yusufm/) combines fundamental materials research with applied and industrially relevant development, particularly in polymer science, polymer chemistry, plastics recycling, sustainable materials, and advanced processing technologies.
- Sustainable and biodegradable polymers
- Bio-based monomers, polymers, and polymer composites
- Plastics recycling, upcycling, and circular materials design
- Processing-structure-property relationships in polymer systems
- Morphology control, interfacial engineering, and compatibilization strategies
- Functional materials for automotive, biomedical, packaging, and environmental applications
- Polymer processing routes including kinetic mixing, extrusion, compounding, injection molding, and additive manufacturing
- Thermal, rheological, mechanical, morphological, and physicochemical characterization of polymer systems
The research environment offers access to polymer processing and characterization infrastructure and provides an interdisciplinary setting for developing MSCA projects with strong scientific, technological, and societal impact. Particular emphasis is placed on scalable materials solutions, circular economy approaches, and the translation of laboratory findings into application-oriented material platforms.
REQUIREMENTS AND ELIGIBILITY
Potential Research Topics
Applicants are encouraged to propose original research projects aligned with the host group's expertise. Possible research directions include, but are not limited to:
- Sustainable polymer composites and circular material design
- Biodegradable and bio-based polymer systems for advanced applications
- Recycling and upcycling of post-consumer or industrial polymer waste
- Advanced compounding strategies and morphology control in multiphase polymer blends
- Functional polymer systems for automotive, biomedical, packaging, or environmental applications
- Polymer processing, rheology, degradation, and structure-property-performance relationships
Candidate Profile and Requirements
Applicants should have a strong background in polymer science, materials science and engineering, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an asset:
- Polymer synthesis, modification, processing, or characterization
- Sustainable materials, recycling, upcycling, or circular economy research
- Bio-based or biodegradable polymers
- Polymer composites, blends, compatibilization, and interfacial engineering
- Thermal, rheological, mechanical, spectroscopic, or morphological characterization
Candidates are expected to demonstrate scientific independence, motivation to develop an innovative MSCA proposal, strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Eligibility
Researchers of any nationality may apply, provided they hold a doctoral degree by the relevant MSCA deadline and comply with the MSCA mobility rule. In general, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Turkiye for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline (09 Sept 2026).
Applicants are responsible for checking the official MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call conditions and confirming their eligibility before submission. Official MSCA information is available at: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest by e-mail to burcu.simsek@sabanciuniv.edu. The e-mail subject should be: Expression of Interest - MSCA PF 2026 – MAT.YZM - [Candidate Name]
The expression of interest should include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- A brief outline of the proposed research project with defined objectives (maximum 2 pages)
- Motivation letter
Shortlisted candidates will receive feedback on the proposed research idea and guidance for developing a competitive MSCA-PF proposal.
Support Offered by the Host Institution
- Proposal review support by the Engineering and Natural Sciences Project Office
- Administrative and project management support during implementation
- Access to relevant laboratories, research facilities, databases, software, and university infrastructure
- Interdisciplinary research environment and integration into the host research group
- Support for scientific networking, dissemination, communication, and career development activities
- Access to Sabanci University facilities, including the Information Center, Sports Center, and relevant research centers
CONTACT PERSON
Name/ Role / E-mail
Prof. Yusuf Z. Menceloglu / Scientific Host / yusufm@sabanciuniv.edu
Dr. Rana Al Nakib / Postdoctoral Researcher, Materials Science and Nano Engineering / rana.nakib@sabanciuniv.edu
Burcu Simsek / Application and Administrative Contact / burcu.simsek@sabanciuniv.edu
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
