Artificial intelligence-assisted design of biodegradable and/or biosourced biopolymers for the [...]

Organisation/Company: Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA-Lyon)

Research Field: Agricultural sciences » Agricultural products, Engineering » Materials engineering

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: France

Application Deadline: 20 May 2025 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Offer Starting Date: 1 Sep 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Artificial intelligence-assisted design of biodegradable and/or biosourced biopolymers for the sustainable protection of agricultural crops.
Supervisors: Sébastien Livi, Pedro Da Silva, Sergio Peignier, Zaineb Smida

Applications are invited for a fully funded Ph.D. studentship in the Polymer Materials Engineering Laboratory (Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères-UMR CNRS 5223) in collaboration with BF2i (Biologie Fonctionnelle, Insectes et Interactions-UMR 0203) and ICJ (Institut Camille Jordan). The successful candidate will work on one of the most exciting new concepts in the field of sustainable protection of agricultural crops: how to deliver a single material with both outstanding structural performance and active functions against invasive insects. This can offer major benefits to various fields like greenhouse covers, insect nets, irrigation systems, and soil mulching.
By 2030, the world's population is expected to reach about 9 billion, bringing new challenges to food system productions. In response to the ethical demands of our time, the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the European Green Agenda are pushing governments, researchers, and industries to develop more sustainable agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, plant diseases cost the global economy over $220 billion annually, while invasive insects account for at least $70 billion in losses, causing up to a 40 percent reduction in global crop production. Among invasive insects, aphids are particularly destructive due to their feeding behavior and unusual reproductive biology. Current pest control strategies are based on the extensive use of broad-spectrum synthetic compounds represented by pesticides. While effective, these chemicals harm beneficial organisms, the environment, and human health, and their overuse has led to the development of insect resistance. Synthetic pesticides represent approximately 90% of the global pesticide market, estimated at $60 billion in 2023.
One promising alternative is the use of naturally derived products extracted from plant sources or fruits through evaporation or water distillation. These natural products influence the behavior of insect pests while respecting the environment and biodiversity. Additionally, polymeric soil mulches suppress weeds, reduce water evaporation, regulate soil temperature, and protect the soil from erosive forces. However, their production, use, and end-of-life management generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at 47 Mt CO2-eq per year by 2030. For these reasons, the use of bioplastics is crucial. Thus, this thesis aims to create a new generation of biodegradable plastic films for crop protection, utilizing active substances with bioregulatory effects on insect pests, providing a holistic and environmentally responsible solution for modern agriculture.

Applicants should have a strong background in Materials Engineering and/or biology interactions. A proven aptitude for, and ideally experience in, practical experimental work, strong self-motivations, and a passion for research are of paramount importance. Knowledge in machine learning would be an advantage. The student will benefit from an ideal environment with participation in national and international congresses. The three laboratories are located on the same campus and have all the equipment required to complete this thesis.

Gross salary: 2300 euros/month.

Where to apply

E-mail: sebastien.livi@insa-lyon.fr

Requirements

Research Field: Engineering » Agricultural engineering

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Languages: ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages: FRENCH Level Good

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: insa lyon

Country: France

City: Villeurbanne

Postal Code: 69100

Street: Bâtiment Jules Verne 17 avenue Jean Capelle