Job offer

Organisation/Company: Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier

Department: Institut Charles Gerhardt (ICG) - UMR 5253

Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: France

Application Deadline: 30 May 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 35

Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Context: Polymer microcapsules are used in a large number of industrial sectors (perfumery, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food, paints, coatings). By being released into the environment at the end of their life, they contribute to the presence of microplastics, with harmful effects on biodiversity and human health. European regulation 2023/2055 aims to reduce microplastic emissions in everyday consumer products in order to protect the environment. The production of biodegradable capsules is a promising way of preventing the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. Moreover, using renewable resources to produce biosourced microcapsules would reduce their carbon footprint.

Objectives: The BIOCAP project aims to produce biodegradable and biobased microcapsules that can find applications in household, personal care and fabric care products. The microcapsules will be synthesized by interfacial polymerization in aqueous suspension using a combination of polymerization methods. Biodegradability will be assessed to establish a structure-property correlation. Initially, the PhD student will synthesize biobased prepolymers carrying reactive functions. Secondly, the PhD student will polymerize the prepolymers using click chemistry in organic solution, and characterize these polymers (Tg, gel content, swelling ratio in water and perfume). From the most promising synthons, the PhD student will synthesize microcapsules (encapsulation of oils representative of perfumes) by interfacial polymerization of prepolymers by click chemistry in aqueous medium. The microcapsules will then be evaluated in terms of biodegradability, fragrance retention and mechanical fragrance release.

Profile: The candidate (M/F) must have a Master degree or equivalent in polymer chemistry, with strong experience in organic synthesis and polymer physical chemistry, a strong interest in innovation, excellent communication skills (English required), strong motivation, curiosity and autonomy.

Host laboratory: The project is funded by the Carnot Institute ICCBC. The employer is the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier ENSCM. Gross monthly salary of around 2600€/month. The host laboratory is the Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier ICGM (1919 route de Mende, 34000 Montpellier, France), in the Macromolecular Chemistry and Materials department. Thesis supervisors: Patrick LACROIX-DESMAZES and Julien PINAUD.

Duration: The contract will be for 36 months, with a start date to be defined, from October 1, 2025.

Application: Send CV, cover letter, scores in your last two years (Master) and 2 contacts and/or letters of recommendation by May 30, 2025 to patrick.lacroix-desmazes@umontpellier.fr and julien.pinaud@umontellier.fr, quoting reference BIOCAP2025.

Requirements

Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications: The candidate (M/F) must have a Master degree or equivalent in polymer chemistry, with strong experience in organic synthesis and polymer physical chemistry, a strong interest in innovation, excellent communication skills (English required), strong motivation, curiosity and autonomy.

Languages: ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry