Postdoctoral Researcher in Biorefinery Side-Stream Valorization for Sustainable Polymer and Composite Materials

Université Côte d'Azur; France; Vor Ort; EUR 42.000 - 54.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Université Côte d'Azur, through the Institut de Chimie de Nice, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance valorization of biorefinery side-products into high-value materials. The project focuses on chemical characterization, formulation and processing to create bio-based polymers, coatings, and composites.

You will perform analytical and materials science work, develop new resin systems, and explore structure–property relationships, collaborating with academic and industrial

Qualifikationen

• PhD required in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
• Strong background in polymers, composites or advanced materials.
• Experience with analytical chemistry and polymer/materials characterization is highly valued.

Aufgaben

• Characterize and identify chemical constituents of biorefinery side-products.
• Develop polymeric and thermosetting materials incorporating biorefinery-derived components.
• Design formulations, processing and coatings for bio-based materials.
• Establish structure–property relationships and evaluate material performance.

Kenntnisse

English (excellent)

French (excellent)

Ausbildung

PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Université Côte d'Azur Department Institut de Chime de Nice, CNRS UMR7272 Research Field Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Engineering » Chemical engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 15 Dec 2026 - 22:01 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 36.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 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

Prof. Alice Mija, University Côte d'Azur, Institute of Chemistry of Nice, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join its research activities on the valorization of side-products and residual streams generated by biorefinery processes.

The overall objective of the research is to transform currently underutilized biorefinery side-products into high-value functional materials, with a particular focus on their use as building blocks, modifiers, additives and functional components in polymers, thermosetting systems, coatings and composite materials.

The position combines chemical characterization, structure–composition analysis, material formulation and processing, with the ultimate objective of establishing innovative and sustainable valorization pathways for complex biorefinery side-streams.

Research objectives

The researcher will investigate selected side-products generated from biorefinery processes and establish relationships between their chemical composition, molecular structure, physicochemical properties and potential applications in polymeric materials.

The research will involve:

• Comprehensive chemical and physicochemical characterization of biorefinery side-products.
• Identification and quantification of the main chemical constituents and functional groups.
• Separation, purification and/or fractionation of selected components where appropriate.
• Identification of reactive or functional molecules suitable for incorporation into polymeric systems.
• Development of strategies for the chemical or physical modification of side-products.
• Evaluation of their potential as polymer building blocks, reactive components, crosslinkers, fillers, modifiers or functional additives.
• Development of bio-based thermosetting resins and polymeric materials.
• Development of bio-based or partially bio-based coatings.
• Development of polymer composites and multifunctional composite materials incorporating valorized biorefinery side-products.
• Optimization of formulations and processing conditions.
• Characterization of the resulting materials in terms of chemical, thermal, mechanical, rheological and functional properties.
• Establishment of structure–processing–property relationships.

Research methodology

The project will combine analytical chemistry and materials science approaches.

Depending on the nature of the selected side-products, the researcher may employ techniques such as:

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Gas Chromatography (GC) and/or Liquid Chromatography (LC).
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
• Rheological characterization.
• Microscopy and morphological characterization.
• Mechanical and thermo-mechanical testing.

The researcher will then translate the chemical knowledge obtained from the side-products into materials design and formulation strategies.

Material development and valorization

A major component of the position will be to explore how the identified molecules, fractions or functional components can be incorporated into high-value material systems.

Polymeric materials

Development of polymer systems in which biorefinery-derived compounds are used as:

• Bio-based monomers or building blocks.
• Functional additives.
• Plasticizers or modifiers.
• Crosslinking agents.
• Reinforcing or functional fillers.

Thermosetting materials

Development and optimization of bio-based or partially bio-based thermosetting systems, including the investigation of:

• Epoxy and other thermosetting resin systems.
• Bio-based curing or crosslinking strategies.
• Network formation and crosslinking behaviour.
• Thermal and mechanical performance.
• Durability and ageing.

Composite materials

Development of polymer composites incorporating valorized biorefinery side-products as:

• Functional fillers.
• Bio-based functional additives.

The research will seek to maximize the added value of the biorefinery side-streams while minimizing additional processing and environmental impact.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants should hold a PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline.

We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Analytical chemistry; Polymer & organic chemistry.
• Biomass and biorefinery chemistry; Biomass valorization.
• Thermosetting polymers; Bio-based materials.
• Composite materials.
• Chemical modification of biomass-derived compounds.

Experience with the chemical characterization of complex mixtures or biomass-derived products would be highly advantageous.

Experience with polymer synthesis, formulation, curing/crosslinking, coatings or composite processing would also be strongly valued.

Candidates with a multidisciplinary profile bridging analytical chemistry and polymer/materials science are particularly encouraged to apply.

Specific Requirements

The successful candidate will:

• Characterize and identify the chemical constituents of selected biorefinery side-products.
• Establish relationships between chemical structure, composition and potential material applications.
• Develop chemical and/or physical strategies for side-product valorization.
• Design and formulate polymeric and thermosetting materials incorporating biorefinery-derived components.
• Develop and characterize coatings and composite materials.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Excellent

Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistryEngineering » Chemical engineering

Additional Information

Research environment

The researcher will join a multidisciplinary research environment bringing together expertise in polymer science, composite materials, materials processing, characterization and engineering for advanced applications.

The position will provide opportunities to collaborate with researchers from different scientific disciplines and, where applicable, with industrial and space-sector partners.

The successful candidate will have access to relevant laboratory facilities and characterization equipment necessary to conduct the proposed research.

We offer:

• A stimulating international research environment.
• The opportunity to work on advanced materials with direct relevance to future space technologies.
• Access to multidisciplinary expertise and research infrastructure.
• Opportunities for scientific publications and participation in international conferences.
• Opportunities to develop an independent research profile.
• Collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
• Support for career development and future research funding applications.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline by the starting date of the position.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A strong scientific background in polymers, composites or advanced materials.
• Experience in experimental research.
• Ability to work independently as well as within an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• A strong publication record appropriate to career stage.

International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University Côte d'Azur/ Institut de Chimie de Nice Country France Geofield