Functional copolymers synthesis in view of elaborating new thermoplastic elastomers
Organisation/Company: Unité Matériaux Et Transformations – Université de Lille
Research Field: Chemistry – Applied chemistry
Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) / Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 30 Apr 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
Country: France
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 1 Jun 2026
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
Project Overview
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in polymer synthesis and chemistry to join the UMET Laboratory (Unité Matériaux et Transformations University of Lille) in the Polymer Systems Engineering team. The successful candidate will contribute to the ANR-funded TECPRO project which aims at developing a new generation of Thermoplastic Elastomers with Controlled Thermomechanical Properties with locally tunable and reversible crosslinking capabilities, enabling precise control over their thermomechanical behavior. These materials will be based on functional triblock copolymers that can be independently crosslinked through thermal or light stimuli, offering both versatility and recyclability. Moreover, the self-assembly of these block copolymers will be guided by metallosupramolecular interactions via the formation of metal–ligand complexes in order to increase the versatility of the final macromolecular architectures. This collaborative project brings together the UMET Laboratory (University of Lille) and the group of Prof. Stephen Schrettl at the Technical University of Munich, offering a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment.
Mission
The postdoctoral researcher will focus on the synthesis of functionalized block copolymers capable of reversible crosslinking. Specifically:
- One block will consist of side-chain functionalized polymethacrylate copolymers enabling thermally reversible crosslinking.
- The second block will be a side-chain functionalized polycaprolactone allowing photoinduced reversible crosslinking under UV light.
The synthesis will rely on controlled radical polymerization techniques and Ring-Opening Polymerization. Characterization of the resulting copolymers and their reversible crosslinking behavior will be an integral part of the work. To this end, the candidate will have access to the cutting‑edge technical platforms and research facilities available on the Cité Scientifique campus.
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry – Applied chemistry
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field
- Solid experience in polymer synthesis and functionalization, ideally involving Controlled Radical Polymerizations and Ring-Opening Polymerization techniques
- Experience in physico-chemical characterization of polymers (SEC, NMR, DSC, …)
- Strong interest in experimental research and structure–property relationships in polymer materials
- Demonstrated autonomy, scientific curiosity, and motivation for interdisciplinary work
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an international team