Nicholas Ballard

This PhD Fellowship is a unique joint scholarship opportunity within the cotutela framework between the Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering (POLYMAT Fundazioa) and IPREM, as part of the European POCTEFA 2025 project. The position is based in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, and offers a dynamic research environment at the forefront of polymer science and chemical engineering. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team working on advanced topics in macromolecular design, polymerization modeling, and the application of machine learning techniques to polymer science. The research will be supervised by Prof. Nicholas Ballard and Dr. Shaghayegh Hamzehlou, both recognized experts in the field. The project is ideal for highly motivated students with a strong background in polymers, and it provides the opportunity to work across two leading European research institutions. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience with programming languages such as Python or Matlab, as well as familiarity with modeling polymerization processes or machine learning, is highly desirable. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required, and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as part of the selection process. The fellowship is fully funded as part of the POCTEFA 2025 project, though specific stipend and tuition details are not provided in the announcement. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct original research, publish scientific papers, and complete a PhD thesis. The application deadline is February 1, 2026, but applications will be reviewed as they are received. To apply, candidates should prepare a single PDF containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief description of previous research, contact details for two academic referees, and transcripts of BSc and MSc studies. Applications should be sent via email to Prof. Nicholas Ballard or Dr. Shaghayegh Hamzehlou. For more information about the institutions, visit POLYMAT and IPREM . This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers in polymer science and chemical engineering to advance their careers in a stimulating international environment.

A PhD Fellowship in Chemistry is available in the Polymerization Processes Group at the Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering, POLYMAT Fundazioa, in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain. The project focuses on the development and fundamental understanding of emulsion polymerization processes. Emulsion polymerization is widely used industrially to produce polymer latexes, yet it remains a complex heterogeneous system that is still not fully understood. This PhD will address key scientific questions using microfluidic techniques to study the role of surfactants, combining experimental work with theoretical modelling. The fellowship is carried out in collaboration with a world-leading producer of emulsion polymers, offering an applied and industry-connected research environment. The successful candidate will join the Polymerization Processes Group and contribute to research activities that include experiments, analysis, scientific writing, and completion of a doctoral thesis. Eligibility requirements include an MSc in Chemistry or a related discipline by September 2026. A background in polymer science is highly desirable, and strong written and spoken English is mandatory. This opportunity is suitable for an early-stage researcher interested in macromolecular design, polymerization kinetics, colloid and interface science, and advanced microfluidic methods. The position is full-time and temporary, with a planned start date of 1 January 2027. Applications are reviewed upon receipt and must be submitted by 1 December 2026. Candidates should email a single PDF application to Prof. Nicholas Ballard, including a cover letter, CV, a short summary of previous research (1–2 pages), and contact details for two academic referees.