Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Università degli Studi di Cagliari - Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences (DSCG)
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:
Mechanocatalysis on Keratin-Based Solid Supports.
Host institution: Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences (DSCG), Cagliari, Italy. Main supervisor: Prof. Andrea Porcheddu. Co-supervisor: Prof. Lars Borchardt, Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). Work packages: WP1, WP4 and WP5.
The doctoral project will develop keratin-based solid supports from waste poultry feathers by combining mechanochemical milling with tailored chemical activation. Metal complexes and organocatalysts will be immobilised on these bio-derived supports to obtain robust, recyclable catalytic platforms suitable for solvent-free organic transformations under mechanical activation.
The candidate will establish mechanocatalytic protocols in ball mills and LabRAM resonant acoustic mixers for green transformations relevant to sustainable organic synthesis, including borrowing-hydrogen processes, amidations, C-C and C-N couplings, selective reductions and solid-state hydrogen-transfer/hydrogenation strategies using mechanically activated solid hydrogen surrogates. The project will also address the hydrogenation of triglycerides from waste cooking oils and the translation of successful protocols towards scalable processing.
Expected results include: (i) keratin-derived catalytic platforms with demonstrated stability, recyclability and performance in benchmark mechanocatalytic reactions; (ii) proof-of-concept solid-state hydrogenation protocols using solid hydrogen surrogates; (iii) scalable mechanocatalytic protocols translated from ball milling and RAM towards continuous or larger-scale processes, with parameters optimised for throughput and reproducibility.
The position is embedded in MECAT, a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network dedicated to predictive, energy-efficient mechanocatalytic technologies for sustainable synthesis and polymer/circular chemistry.
Where to apply
E-mail: porcheddu@unica.it
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidates must hold, or be in a position to obtain by the recruitment date, a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, or a closely related field. Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
Excellent knowledge of organic chemistry is an essential requirement for this position and will be treated as a mandatory scientific condition during the pre-selection and ranking. The CV and academic records must document outstanding performance in chemistry studies, especially in organic chemistry and laboratory-based chemical sciences.
The ideal candidate will have strong experimental skills in organic synthesis and/or catalysis, excellent motivation for green chemistry and mechanochemistry, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international network. Previous experience with solvent-free synthesis, ball milling, RAM, catalyst immobilisation, organometallic/organocatalytic methods, hydrogen-transfer chemistry, analytical characterisation, or green metrics will be considered an advantage.
Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English and must satisfy the MSCA Doctoral Network mobility rule and the local admission requirements of the University of Cagliari doctoral programme.
Applications that do not provide clear evidence of strong preparation in organic chemistry and excellent performance in chemistry studies will be considered not aligned with the essential requirements of this DC6 position.
Doctoral candidates will complete two secondments during their 36-month employment contract. Anticipated secondments for this position are:
- Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), Prof. Lars Borchardt, M19-M25, up to 6 months: training in photo-mechanochemistry and mechanistic/in situ approaches as a future-oriented extension of the project.
- Johnson Matthey, Fine Chemicals Division, Dr. A. Zanotti-Gerosa, M31-M37, 6 months: immersion in an industrial R&D environment and validation of keratin-supported mechanocatalysts in processes of industrial relevance.
Specific Requirements
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Mechanochemistry; Green Chemistry; Catalysis; Sustainable Synthesis; Circular Chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Languages: ENGLISH, Level Excellent
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Copy of passport or National Identity Card.
- Copies of academic certificates (BSc, MSc, and any other relevant diplomas), translated into English, including expected final grade and date.
- Proof of English proficiency, demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, or a university certification confirming that the degree or MSc thesis was conducted in English.
- 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.
For more information about the project: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic 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:
- Administrative validation of applications, including MSCA mobility requirements, eligibility, completeness of documents and local admission conditions.
- 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.
- 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: MECAT application website, to be provided by the Coordinator when activated.
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
City: Cagliari
Contact
State/Province: italy
City: cagliari
Website: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr