Posted: [contact details available in the full listing]
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: University of Padova
- Department: Department of Chemical Sciences
- Research Field: Chemistry » Other
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Rome)
- Country: Italy
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA
Offer Description
The MOC Lab at the University of Padova is recruiting two PhD candidates within AGRIPOLYS - Molecularly Designed Polymers for Sustainable Agriculture, a newly funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCADN) bringing together leading European universities and industrial partners in polymer science, environmental science, plant biology and agricultural technologies.
Our group develops advanced functional polymeric materials through the molecular design of monomers and macromolecules and the precise control of polymer composition, functionality and architecture. Within AGRIPOLYS, our research will focus on the development of functional and biodegradable polymers designed to interact with biological systems and enable more sustainable technologies for agriculture.
As a doctoral candidate, your research will have a strong focus on experimental organic and polymer chemistry, combining monomer design and synthesis, controlled polymerization, macromolecular engineering and advanced polymer characterization. Depending on the specific project, you will develop either biodegradable functional polymers for the stabilization of beneficial microorganisms or water-soluble polymers with precisely controlled architectures for the complexation and delivery of biological molecules in plants.
The 2 PhD projects:
- PhD 1 - Biodegradable functional polymers: Design of monomers and synthetic strategies towards functional, biodegradable poly(meth)acrylates, with emphasis on controlling polymer functionality and degradation while promoting the stabilization and survival of beneficial microorganisms
- PhD 2 - Polymeric carriers for biological delivery: Design and synthesis of water-soluble polymers with controlled molecular architectures, including bottlebrush polymers, to investigate how macromolecular structure and functionality can be engineered for the complexation, transport and delivery of nucleic acids in plants.
Where to apply
E-mail: agripolys.chimica@unipd.it
Requirements
- Research Field: Chemistry
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about experimental research and has a strong interest in polymer chemistry, macromolecular synthesis and materials science. Candidates should hold, or expect to obtain, a Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline. Previous experience in organic synthesis, monomer synthesis, polymer synthesis, controlled polymerization and/or polymer characterization is highly desirable. Experience with all of these areas is not required: we particularly value a solid chemical background, curiosity, creativity, motivation for hands-on laboratory research and a genuine interest in learning modern polymer synthesis.
Candidates should enjoy working in a collaborative and international environment and have good communication skills and an excellent command of English.
Specific Requirements
To apply, please send an email to agripolys.chimica@unipd.it, including:
- CV
- motivation letter (indicating the DC project(s) of interest)
- academic transcripts
- recommendation letter(s)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further information on the selection process.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
The EU-funded monthly allowances are:
Living allowance: €4010/month, adjusted by the country correction coefficient applicable to the recruiting institution.
Mobility allowance: €710/month.
Family allowance: €660/month, where applicable and subject to MSCA eligibility conditions.
The country correction coefficient is applied exclusively to the living allowance to account for differences in living costs between countries.
The total monthly EU contribution for each DC is therefore calculated as follows:
(€4010 × 95.3% (Italy correction coefficient)) + €710 (+ €660, if eligible for the family allowance).
Please note that these amounts represent the EU-funded employment budget and are not necessarily equivalent to the contractual gross salary or net take-home pay. Applicable employer and employee social security contributions, taxes and other mandatory deductions must be taken into account.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and each PhD position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible.
If any PhD positions remain unfilled after the application deadline, the deadline may be extended or a new call may be launched for the remaining vacancy.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 2
- Company/Institute: University of Padova, Department of Chemical Sciences, MOC Laboratories
- Country: Italy
- State/Province: Padova
- City: Padova
- Postal Code: 35131
- Street: Via Marzolo, 1
Contact
- City: Padova
- Website: https://research.chimica.unipd.it/moc/ and https://research.chimica.unipd.it/agripolys/
- Street: Via Marzolo 1
- Postal Code: 35131
- E-Mail: agripolys.chimica@unipd.it