Depolymerization of proteins (Keratin, collagen, etc.)

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 project aims to develop active mechanocatalysts for the efficient depolymerisation of protein-based materials, with a particular focus on keratin, collagen, and related proteins. The research will explore solvent-free mechanochemical approaches for the cleavage of protein bonds, with the objective of recovering valuable products such as amino acids and peptides in a sustainable and energy-efficient manner.

The researcher will develop and optimize mechanocatalytic systems capable of promoting efficient protein depolymerisation under mechanical activation. Particular attention will be given to understanding the relationship between catalyst properties, mechanical energy input, reaction conditions, and depolymerisation performance. The work will establish a fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanisms and kinetics involved in mechanochemical protein bond cleavage.

The research will combine catalyst development, mechanochemical processing, and advanced characterization to identify the reaction pathways leading to the formation of amino acids, peptides, and other valuable products. The behaviour and stability of the catalysts under mechanical activation will also be investigated, including their potential for recovery and reuse.

An important objective will be to demonstrate the sustainability advantages of the developed approach compared with conventional protein depolymerisation methods. The assessment will consider factors including energy consumption, solvent requirements, catalyst recyclability, product yield, and overall process efficiency.

The expected outcomes include the development of efficient mechanocatalysts capable of achieving high protein depolymerisation yields under solvent-free conditions, together with improved mechanistic understanding of catalyst behaviour and reaction pathways under mechanical activation. The project will also demonstrate potential sustainability benefits through reduced energy consumption, minimal solvent use, and the recovery and reuse of catalysts.

The project includes two planned secondments. The first will take place at BAM (F. Emmerling;, 4 months) and will focus on in situ analysis of the mechanochemical reaction, providing insight into reaction mechanisms, intermediate species, and catalyst behaviour during mechanical activation. The second will take place at ARD (B. Estrine; 6 months) and will focus on the conversion of the obtained depolymerisation products into fine chemicals, providing experience in product valorisation and downstream chemical processing.

Where to apply

E-mail: porcheddu@unica.it

Requirements

• Research Field: Chemistry
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biochemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline. A strong interest in mechanochemistry, catalysis, protein chemistry, sustainable chemistry, or biomass and waste valorisation is highly desirable.

The candidate should have a good understanding of organic chemistry, catalysis, reaction mechanisms, and/or polymer or protein chemistry, together with practical experience in laboratory experimentation. Previous experience with proteins such as keratin or collagen, depolymerisation, peptide or amino-acid chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, or mechanochemical processing will be considered an advantage.

Experience with ball milling and other mechanochemical techniques, catalyst preparation and characterization, and the identification or quantification of reaction products would be beneficial. Familiarity with analytical techniques for the characterization of proteins, peptides, amino acids, or other organic products would also be an asset.

The candidate should demonstrate strong experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with an interest in understanding reaction mechanisms and establishing relationships between catalyst properties, mechanical activation, and product formation. The ability to interpret complex experimental data and develop systematic approaches to catalyst and process optimization is expected.

The successful candidate should be highly motivated by sustainable chemical processes, mechanocatalysis, protein valorisation, and circular-economy approaches. The candidate should be able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary and international research consortium.

Willingness to undertake the planned academic and industrial secondments is essential. Good scientific communication and writing skills, scientific curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive approach to research are expected. Experience or interest in the valorisation of recovered amino acids and peptides into higher-value fine chemicals would be particularly advantageous.

Doctoral candidates will complete two secondments during their 36-month employment contract. Anticipated secondments for this position are:

1. Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und - pruefung (BAM), in Germany
2. ARD in France

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document through the MECAT application website when activated and send a copy or notification to Prof. Andrea Porcheddu (porcheddu@unica.it) and Prof. Karine De Oliveira Vigier (karine.vigier@univ-poitiers.fr). The file should be named with the candidate's full name and the selected position: DC6 - UNICA.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Copy of passport or National Identity Card.
4. Copies of academic certificates (BSc, MSc, and any other relevant diplomas), translated into English, including expected final grade and date.
5. Proof of English proficiency, demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, or a university certification confirming that the degree or MSc thesis was conducted in English.
6. Two recommendation letters (maximum 1 page each).

Only documents in English will be accepted.

Applications that fail to include the requested documentation, do not indicate the preferred project, or do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Specific Requirements

Research Field: Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Mechanochemistry; Green Chemistry; Catalysis; Sustainable Synthesis; Circular Chemistry

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Excellent

Research Field: Chemistry

Additional Information

Benefits

• Cutting-edge research training in mechanocatalysis, organic synthesis, green chemistry, catalysis and circular chemical technologies.
• First-hand experience in ball milling, LabRAM/resonant acoustic mixing, solvent-free organic synthesis, keratin-derived catalytic supports, catalyst immobilisation, green metrics and industrial validation.
• 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.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidates are paid according to MSCA-DN funding rules and the host-country correction coefficient. For Italy in the MECAT budget, the indicative gross MSCA living allowance is around EUR 4,010/month, plus a Mobility Allowance of EUR 710/month. A family allowance may apply according to MSCA rules. All amounts are gross and subject to national deductions, taxes and final payroll implementation by the host institution.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for this PhD position, 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, organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, chemical sciences, chemical engineering or related fields. A strong, documented background in organic chemistry and excellent academic performance in chemistry are essential. 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).

MSCA mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date, unless an applicable MSCA exception applies.

Selection process

The selection process will be conducted in three stages, in line with the MECAT recruitment procedure:

1. Administrative validation of applications, including MSCA mobility requirements, eligibility, completeness of documents and local admission conditions.
2. Scientific pre-ranking based on the assessment of two Selection Committee members per candidate, considering fit to DC6, excellence potential, CV, motivation letter, reference letters, documented academic performance in chemistry and the mandatory organic-chemistry requirement.
3. Online interview of pre-selected candidates with the Selection Committee, followed by the final ranking. The process will be open, transparent, merit-based and attentive to equity, gender balance and geographical diversity.

Additional comments

The PhD title will be awarded by the University of Cagliari.

The desired research field for candidates is organic chemistry applied to mechanochemistry, green catalysis, sustainable synthesis and circular chemistry. Excellent organic chemistry preparation is essential.

Website for additional job details: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Università degli Studi di Cagliari - Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences (DSCG)
• Country: Italy

Contact

• State/Province: italy
• City: cagliari