Researcher in Polymer Physical Chemistry (M/F)

Offer Description

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Centre de recherches sur les macromolécules végétales Research Field Chemistry Physics » Chemical physics Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 13 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) 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

The research will focus on the synthesis and self-assembly of bio-based glycopolymers with comb-like architectures for the design of colored structural materials. These copolymers exhibit interesting properties due to their density, low entanglement, and ability to rapidly self-assemble into highly ordered nanostructures to form a lamellar arrangement, resulting in colored materials (bio-based photonic crystals). From an experimental standpoint, the unique self-assembly properties of these copolymers (synthesized via “click” chemistry) will be investigated using radiation scattering techniques (light and synchrotron) in conjunction with imaging techniques (TEM, SEM, and AFM). This research project falls within CERMAV’s key research areas and is being carried out within the “Self-assembly and Physicochemistry of Glycopolymers” team. Website: TeamLeader: R. Borsali

The successful candidate will be responsible for synthesizing glycopolymers based on oligosaccharides and biodegradable polymers, thereby forming comb-like copolymers. These systems and their self-assembled structures will be characterized using diffusion and imaging techniques with a view to their integration into photonic crystal devices.

CERMAV is a research centre focused on plant macromolecules, with a staff of 120. It is organised into five research teams whose expertise ranges from carbohydrate chemistry to biomaterials science. CERMAV’s uniqueness and strength lie in its approach, which combines basic and applied research. This multidisciplinary approach spans fields ranging from chemistry, physical chemistry, and biology, enabling the centre to hold a prominent international position in the flagship field of glycoscience—from complex carbohydrates (sugars, oligo- and polysaccharides, glycopolymers, and glycomaterials) involved in biological processes and health, to bio-based materials. Website: The successful candidate will have access to all the resources available to CERMAV’s “Glycopolymer Self-Assembly” team as part of a project funded by Polynat

Ph.D. in Polymer Physical Chemistry. The successful candidate must hold a Ph.D. in materials science, nanoscience, or polymer science, ideally with some background in copolymer chemistry. Prior experience in the preparation and physicochemical characterization of copolymer-based self-assembled structures is preferred.