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 PhD project will be performed at the University of Birmingham, under co-supervision of Prof. Tomislav Friščić, along with co-supervision of Prof. Karine De Oliveira Vigier at the Université de Poitiers where an academic secondment will be held. The research will be focused on the understanding of principles guiding the scaling-up of environmentally-friendly, solvent-less or solvent-minimal mechanochemical synthesis. Particular aspects of the project will be the selection of model small-scale reactions and exploration of their scale-up to gram, as well as kilogram scales using technologies such as ball-milling and Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM). The project will benefit from a wide range of mechanochemical equipment offered in the Friščić laboratory, as well as the Birmingham Centre for Mechanochemistry and Mechanical Processing, and will also use green chemistry metrics, ex situ (stepwise) characterization of mechanochemical reactivity, as well as real-time tracking of the mechanochemical processes through spectroscopy, thermal monitoring, as well as synchrotron X-rays. The ultimate aim of the project is to establish the knowledge and experience needed for the rational development of greener, safer and more efficient processes based on mechanochemistry and/or solventless chemistry.
The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 on an anti-discrimination ethos accepting men and women on an equal basis. Today, as a community of over 150 nationalities in one of the UK's most vibrant cities, we remain committed to promoting equality, diversity and fairness irrespective of age, disability, gender, pregnancy or marital status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Where to apply
E-mail: t.friscic@bham.ac.uk
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The candidate is expected to have a M.Sc. degree or equivalent in Chemistry. Familiarity with synthesis, green chemistry, and/or solid-state chemistry would be an advantage.
The doctoral candidate will spend time two secondments during their 36 month employment contracts. Anticipated secondments for this position are:
(1) HTE (High-throughput experimentation company), Germany
(2) Johnson-Matther, United Kingdom
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document to Prof. Friščić at: t.friscic@bham.ac.uk via email, including your full name in the message. The pdf should include:
- 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: Chemistry
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 mechanochemistry, green chemistry, and methods for analysis of mechanochemical, solventless, or liquid-assisted reactions.
- First-hand experience in design, analysis and scaling-up of mechanochemical reactivity, with potential to transform how manufacturing is done in the future
- 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 Birmingham
The desired research field for candidates is Chemistry
Website for additional job details: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Birmingham
Country: United Kingdom
Contact
State/Province: UK
City: Birmingham
Website: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr
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