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.
Potential valorization routes include:
Polymeric materials
Development of polymer systems in which biorefinery-derived compounds are used as:
- Bio-based monomers or building blocks.
- Reactive diluents.
- 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.
- Reinforcement modifiers.
- Matrix components.
- Interface modifiers.
- 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.
Where to apply
E-mail: Alice.MIJA@univ-cotedazur.fr
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.
- Polymer formulation.
- Thermosetting polymers; Bio-based materials.
- Composite materials.
- Sustainable materials.
- Chemical modification of biomass-derived compounds.
- Materials characterization.
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 chemistry; Engineering » Chemical engineering
Additional Information
Benefits
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.
Additional comments
How to apply
Applications should include:
- A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications.
- A cover letter describing your motivation for applying and your relevant research experience.
- A short research statement describing your experience and potential contribution to the project.
- Copies of academic degrees/certificates.
- Contact details of two referees who may be contacted for recommendations.
Applications should be submitted through email.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University Côte d'Azur/ Institut de Chimie de Nice
Country: France
Contact
City: Nice
Website: http://univ-cotedazur.fr/en
Street: 28 Avenue Valrose
Postal Code: 06108