CCEM UPC Barcelona : Postdoctoral Researcher Materials Science (PSEP & R2EM groups)

Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering

Organisation / Company : Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Department : Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering

Research Field : Engineering » Chemical engineering, Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Researcher Profile : First Stage Researcher (R1), Recognised Researcher (R2)

Positions : Postdoc Positions

Country : Spain

Application Deadline : 4 Apr 2025 - 00 : 00 (Europe / Madrid)

Type of Contract : Temporary

Job Status : Full-time

Hours Per Week : 35

Offer Description

The increasing demand for sustainable technologies and products has led to extensive research into bio-based innovative solutions. In this context, developing strategies to transform renewable natural resources (urban bio-waste, organic residues, biomass, etc.) into bio-based materials contributes to reducing dependency on fossil resources, accelerating the transition to a green and circular economy while ensuring a lower environmental impact.

This project will involve processing biosynthesized polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and biobased polymers (e.g., polyesters, polyurethanes) using novel techniques (electrospinning, ultrasonic molding, nanotexturing, 3D printing) and loading them with bioactive molecules (e.g., polyphenols, antibacterials) obtained from organic waste transformation and industrial processing. The new bioplastic materials will have high added value due to their origin and will be used in the development of industrial and biomedical applications.

PHAs are a diverse group of biodegradable polyesters synthesized by bacteria through fermentation processes. They are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics due to their natural origin, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. PHAs include over 150 types with unique properties suitable for various applications, from packaging to biomedical devices.

The polymeric materials will be functionalized with natural compounds or biomolecules (e.g., polyphenols, proteins) and nanoparticles / nanofibers (e.g., clays, cellulose) to enhance their reactivity, processability, mechanical and thermal properties, as well as functionalities like antimicrobial activity and UV protection. Four prototypes will be developed and validated for: i) food packaging, ii) water nanofiltration systems, iii) transdermal drug delivery systems, and iv) phytosanitary release systems for the agri-food industry.

Objectives :

1. Study and characterization of biosynthesized polymers (PHAs) and biobased polymers (PE, PEA, PU, PA, etc.).
2. Application of new processing techniques (e.g., electrospinning, surface nanotexturization, ultrasound micromolding, and 3D-printing technologies).
3. Selection, characterization, and incorporation of natural compounds (biomolecules and additives) to enhance processability and functionality.
4. Development of functional nanocomposite hybrid materials prototypes for food packaging, water filtration / purification, and drug / phytosanitary delivery systems.

Requirements

Research Field : Engineering » Chemical engineering, Chemistry

Education Level : PhD or equivalent

Skills / Qualifications :

• Skills in bio / polymer characterization techniques such as FTIR, NMR, Raman, XRD, or GPC.
• Experience in chemical and enzymatic functionalization of polymers and biomolecules.
• Preparation of functional nanoparticles based on natural compounds.
• Analysis of nano and microstructure materials by TEM, SEM, or AFM.
• Study of material bioactivity using cell culture experiments.
• Application of advanced polymer processing techniques.
• Experience in analytic chemistry.
• Ability to write scientific papers and work in a multidisciplinary environment.

Specific Requirements :

• Research Experience :
• Synthesis, characterization, and assessment of heterogeneous catalysis
• Catalytic reaction engineering and monitoring
• Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels / polymeric architectures
• Experiments in Synchrotron facilities
• Experience in hydrogen-related reactions

Number of offers available : 1

Company / Institute : Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering

Country : Spain

State / Province : Barcelona

City : Barcelona

Postal Code : 08019

Street : Campus Diagonal Besòs, Building I, Av. Eduard Maristany, 10-14