PhD student in Polymer Chemistry for Project WISELY (PRISM programme, MSCA COFUND) ESPCI Paris - PSL (Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la ville de Paris) in France

The PRISM programme at Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) University is launching a fully funded PhD opportunity in sustainable soft matter science. This project, WISELY: New chemIstries for the deSign of rEcyclable poLYmers, is hosted at ESPCI Paris - PSL within the Laboratoire Chimie Moléculaire, Macromoléculaire, Matériaux (C3M) and is part of the PRISM PhD Research Programme for International Training in Sustainable Soft Matter.

The project is supervised by Renaud Nicolaÿ with Nathan Van Zee as co-supervisor. C3M is internationally recognized for its work on recyclable and self-healing materials, dynamic covalent chemistry, and synthetic chemistry across molecular-to-material scales. The WISELY project aims to develop new mechanically reversible chemical groups to make thermoplastics, thermosets, and plastic blends more recyclable and easier to process.

Research will begin with the synthesis and characterization of new functional groups using techniques such as NMR and mass spectrometry. These building blocks will then be incorporated into polymer matrices including polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polystyrene, and poly(meth)acrylates, either during polymer synthesis or through reactive processing of commercial polymers. The resulting materials will be studied using advanced methods including TGA, DSC, SEC, DMA, TEM, SEM, tensile testing, and rheology. A key part of the project involves collaboration with Prof. Evelyne van Ruymbeke at UCLouvain in Belgium, including research secondments of at least one month to study linear and non-linear rheology.

The broader PRISM programme offers interdisciplinary, international, and intersectoral training with mobility opportunities, secondments, and courses in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, career development, and transferable skills. The programme is co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND and provides up to 14 fully funded PhD fellowships starting 1 March 2027. The selected candidate will be employed by ESPCI Paris and will receive a competitive net monthly salary of approximately €2,200, with possible family and mobility allowances.

Eligibility requirements include a Master’s degree or equivalent that qualifies the applicant to start a doctorate, strong English proficiency, and compliance with the transnational mobility rule (no more than 12 months of residence or main activity in France in the 3 years before the deadline). No French language skills are required. Applications must be submitted in English via the PRISM website by 31 October 2026.

This is a strong opportunity for candidates interested in polymer chemistry, dynamic covalent chemistry, sustainable materials, polymer processing, and advanced characterization, with the prospect of high-impact publications, conference presentations, and potential patent applications.