Post-Doc researcher in Polymer Synthesis

Would you like to participate in the Grand Programme of Research led by the University of Bordeaux? Would you like to work on an environmental and industrial project?

Join the Laboratory of Organic Polymer Chemistry of the University of Bordeaux!

Since its creation in 1985, the LCPO has been focusing its academic research in Polymer Science on the mechanisms of polymerization and macromolecular engineering. The LCPO is composed of 4 research teams and includes about 150 people, including about 50 permanent staff.

As part of the Major Research Program «Post Petroleum Materials» (PPM), the University of Bordeaux and associated laboratories aim to rethink the chemistry of materials on the principle of a «circular chemistry», concerned with the sustainability of materials.

In this context, we are looking for a Post-Doc researcher who’ll work on the Stereochemical control in oil-free polymerization using new chiral catalysts for the synthesis of degradable polyesters.

Economic constraints and societal issues call for rational design and alternative synthesis methods for polymer materials, in particular to meet the need for more virtuous end-of-life management, guaranteeing appropriate performance in the intended application.

The aim of this research project is to develop a new strategy to meet this challenge and reduce the environmental footprint of polymers.

The aim is to use chiral catalysts, with scalable properties, for ring-opening polymerization reactions of lactide, a monomer of non-fossil origin. These new catalysts are expected to induce stereochemical control of polymerization, i.e., creating stereocontrolled sequences using lactide in its racemic version.

The aim is thus to design bio-sourced polymers that are easily degradable and have modulable thermomechanical properties. Particular attention will be paid to rationalizing the effects of catalyst structure on polymerization performance and mode of action.

As such:

• Synthesis and purification of polymers
• Kinetic study of polymerization reactions
• Analysis and evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of the synthesized polymers
• Writing of reports and articles

The + of this position: You will be integrated into team 1 «Catalysts and Polymerization Engineering». The team is developing alternative strategies for the synthesis of "tailor-made" polymers, with the following main orientations:

• Design of activation or catalysis systems for highly selective polymerization reactions;
• Development of recyclable and bio-inspired catalytic nano-reactors operating in aqueous environments;
• Polymer, nanoparticle engineering.

Holder of a PhD in Material Chemistry, you ideally have worked on Polymer Synthesis.

• You are able to implement macromolecular synthesis techniques
• You have demonstrated knowledge of mass and solution polymerization techniques and characterization (SEC, DSC, NMR, …)
• You are autonomous in your activities while being strongly involved in a collective
• Fluency in English (level C1 / B2) in an international and multicultural work environment

Do you recognize yourself? Apply!

More information:

By joining this project, within the LCPO and the CBMN, you will work on an innovative, applied, transdisciplinary and highly collaborative project.

These labs are collaborating with an industrial partner on this exciting research topic that aims to replace petroleum-based raw materials with natural counterparts, using ecological processes.

Based in Pessac – access by tramway line B (stop «Doyen Brus») buses, bike.

The laboratory is near the city-centre of Bordeaux and about 60 Km from the Atlantic coast.

Salary gross: 2750€ according to the salary grid

Job Benefits:

• 50 days of vacation from the first year of collaboration
• Refill of 75% of the subscription to the public transport
• Participation in the private healthcare up to 15€ / month
• Leisure, sport and culture for all staff
• Disabled-friendly establishment
• Possibility of staff parking
• Sustainable mobility package for commuting – work