About the Project
PSL University
Located in the heart of Paris, Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) brings together some of France’s most prestigious higher education institutions and research centres to create a world-class environment for education and scientific discovery.
The PRISM (PhD Research Programme for International Training in Sustainable Soft Matter) programme has launched its first call for applications, offering fully funded PhD starting from 1 March 2027 at Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) University. The programme trains researchers to address ecological transition challenges through sustainable soft matter science, with projects focused on eco-friendly chemical processes, circular economy, renewable energies, and carbon capture, storage, and valorisation. Co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND (Grant Agreement 101261637) and partner institutions, PRISM provides interdisciplinary, international, and intersectoral training, including mobility opportunities, secondments, and courses in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, career development, and transferable skills.
Applications must be submitted only via the PRISM website by 31 October 2026 (23:59 Paris time).
You have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent/postgraduate degree which formally entitles you to start a doctorate. All applicants with a doctoral degree are ineligible.
- A minimum English proficiency level of C1 (Advanced) from non-English-speaking countries. No French language skills are required.
- Not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call for applications deadline (31/10/2026).
- You are available to start the program on schedule: 1st March 2027
We offer:
- cutting-edge research in a variety of areas in chemistry, physics, biology, soft matter, microfluidics and materials science;
- 3-year funding to work on your doctoral project;
- a degree from PSL University;
- excellent structured supervision;
- a diverse community to exchange ideas with;
- scientific courses and transferable skills;
- mobility opportunities;
- a competitive salary above the national average for PhD candidates in France.
Timeline:
- Apply between the 1st of September and the 31 of October via our application portal.
- Short-listed candidates are invited for online interviews in January 2027.
- Successful candidates start their doctorate on the 1st of March 2027.
- Check our website for more information.
Application:
Please prepare your application material including a copy of the Master’s degree or equivalent / postgraduate degree, and marks from the three previous years (these documents must be translated into English by the awarding institution or a sworn translator), a certificate of C1 level in English, two letters of reference by previous teachers/supervisors, a signed sworn statement on mobility rule, a ranked list of up to five open PhD subjects from the list provided by PRISM, a CV, a cover letter. Check our guide for more information.
