This fully funded PhD position at Université Grenoble Alpes, supported by the MSCA COFUND PhD@Tec21 program, investigates anisotropic liquid phases for innovative and sustainable liquid-liquid extraction processes. The research addresses the pressing need for greener recycling and depollution methods, focusing on ionic and molecular extraction using thermomorphic aqueous biphasic systems (ABS). The project centers on a system based on decanoic acid and lidocaine, a deep eutectic solvent that avoids strong acids and enables efficient extraction of organic pollutants and nickel ions. This system features complex nanometric organization, including anisotropic phases and a broad range of viscosities, which are crucial for optimizing extraction efficiency. The research aims to elucidate the relationship between rheological properties and phase separation, and to understand how molecular-level anisotropy affects impurity transport and extraction kinetics. Work will be conducted in two leading laboratories on the Grenoble campus: the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Physics (LIPhy), specializing in scattering techniques and ABS, and the Laboratory of Rheology and Processes (LRP), with expertise in rheology and out-of-equilibrium X-ray scattering. A minimum two-month secondment at APERAM will provide hands-on experience in real-world metallic extraction conditions. The project is structured into three main research axes: equilibrium characterization of the system, microscopic analysis of flow properties using advanced scattering techniques under shear, and investigation of transport phenomena and extraction kinetics. The PhD offers a comprehensive training environment, including access to state-of-the-art facilities, doctoral courses, workshops, and networking opportunities within the international MSCA network. Candidates of all nationalities are eligible, provided they hold a relevant Master’s degree, have not resided in France for more than 12 months in the past three years, and are fluent in English. The successful candidate will receive a 36-month contract with a competitive salary, full social security, health insurance, and support for relocation and administrative procedures. This position is ideal for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in physical chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields, and offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable extraction technologies.

This PhD project at Université Grenoble Alpes focuses on developing greener and more efficient liquid-liquid extraction processes by investigating anisotropic liquid phases. The research aims to optimize extraction of organic pollutants and metal ions using a system based on decanoic acid and lidocaine, a deep eutectic solvent that avoids strong acids. The project will explore the nanometric organization and rheological properties of these systems, which are crucial for understanding and improving transport and separation processes. The work will be conducted between two leading laboratories: the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Physics (LIPhy), specializing in scattering techniques and biphasic systems, and the Laboratory of Rheology and Processes (LRP), with expertise in rheology and out-of-equilibrium X-ray scattering. A two-month secondment at APERAM will provide experience in real industrial extraction conditions. The research is structured into three main axes: (1) equilibrium characterization of the system, (2) microscopic analysis of flow properties using advanced scattering techniques under shear, and (3) investigation of transport phenomena and extraction efficiency under various conditions. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining chemical physics, materials science, and engineering, and offers opportunities for advanced training, networking, and international collaboration through the PhD@Tec21 and Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND programs. The position offers a 36-month contract with a competitive salary, full social security, health insurance, and support for relocation and administrative matters. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in physics, chemistry, or chemical engineering, with experience in relevant experimental techniques and a proactive, collaborative approach to research. The application deadline is February 28, 2026, and further details, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, are available on the PhD@Tec21 website.