Shaping the Future Beyond Plastics, Injection Molding of Cellulose-Based Materials : focus on d[...]

About the Position

Doctoral Candidate (PhD level) in the Research Department of the Centre Technique Industriel de la Plasturgie et des Composites (CT‑IPC), focusing on the drying of fibre pulps for injection moulding. The role is funded by the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Doctoral Network (ENDURE) and is part of a three‑year, full‑time programme starting as early as possible (no earlier than end of January 2026).

Responsibilities

• Characterise paper pulps – determine rheological and thermal properties, evaluate composition effects (fibre content, additives) on drying and deformation.
• Perform drying tests – experiment on injected paper pulp samples, measure drying curves, moisture distribution, deformation and crack evolution.
• Analyse samples – use electron microscopy, X‑ray microtomography and other in‑situ techniques to study pulp structure before, during and after drying.
• Develop numerical models – formulate heat and mass transfer equations for porous media, incorporate capillary phenomena and thermomechanical effects, create mechanical behaviour laws to simulate part deformation.
• Implement computational tools – run CFD and FEM simulations to solve coupled equations, evaluate material property changes during drying under varying temperature, humidity and airflow conditions.
• Apply findings – design energy‑efficient and robust industrial drying solutions, optimise thermal management and mechanical stress to reduce production costs and improve product durability.
• Participate in two secondments – 4 months at Georges Pernoud SAS (mould drying technology) and 2 months at Technical University of Denmark (drying modelling).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Papermaking, or a related field.
• Experience in mechanics, mechanical engineering, or materials science.
• Knowledge of paper or fibre pulp processing and injection moulding preferred.
• Proficiency with experimental characterisation techniques and numerical simulation (CFD, FEM).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills.
• English language proficiency – native speaker, or IELTS ≥ 7.5 / TOEFL ≥ 113, or a Master’s obtained in English.
• Preferred: peer‑reviewed publications.

Program Details

• Duration: 36 months, full‑time, starting as early as possible (no earlier than end of January 2026).
• Funding: Marie Skłodowska‑Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network – stipend in accordance with MSCA conditions.
• Host: CT‑IPC, INSA Lyon & LaMCoS laboratory.
• Primary supervisor: Prof. Pierre Dumont (INSA Lyon, LaMCoS).
• Co‑supervisors: Dr. Thomas Joffre (CT‑IPC) and Dr. Florian Martoïa (INSA Lyon, LaMCoS).
• Location: CT‑IPC and LaMCoS laboratory, Oyonnax campus of INSA Lyon.

Application Process

Submit an application form, curriculum vitae, motivation letter, evidence of qualifications, an English language certificate (if applicable), two references, and a research proposal (≤2000 words). Applications must be complete by the specified deadline.

Contact

• Thomas Joffre –
• Pierre Dumont –
• Florian Martoïa –