Research Engineer (M/F): Polymer Formulation by Nanoprecipitation

Job Description

Missions

The research engineer recruited for this position will be primarily responsible for developing and optimizing methods for formulating polymer nanoparticles by surfactant-free nanoprecipitation, with the aim of producing particles with controlled and reproducible sizes.
The main responsibilities will include:
- Developing nanoprecipitation protocols applicable to different families of polymers;
Investigating the influence of formulation and process parameters, including polymer type and concentration, solvent/non-solvent systems, phase ratios, addition rate, stirring conditions, temperature, etc.;
- Controlling the size and size distribution of the nanoparticles produced;
- Assessing the reproducibility and robustness of the developed protocols;
- Characterizing the resulting dispersions, in particular by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, and microscopy;
- Establishing standardized protocols for the production of nanoparticles with defined sizes.

Activity

The work will involve a significant amount of laboratory experimentation and methodological development.
The research engineer will be responsible for:
- Preparing polymer solutions and dispersions;
- Conducting nanoprecipitation experiments;
- Performing physicochemical characterization of the nanoparticles;
- Analyzing the relationships between formulation parameters and the properties of the resulting particles;
- Processing and analyzing experimental data;
- Writing detailed and reproducible experimental protocols;
- Regularly presenting results to the research team.

Your Profil

Skills

- Background in chemistry, physical chemistry, polymer science, formulation, materials science, or a related field;
- Strong laboratory and experimental skills;
- Knowledge of polymer and/or colloid physical chemistry;
- Experience in nanoparticle formulation, nanoprecipitation, emulsification, or colloidal characterization would be highly appreciated;
- Experience with DLS and/or zeta potential measurements would be an asset;
- Ability to quantitatively analyze experimental data;
- Autonomy, rigor, and ability to organize and conduct experimental campaigns;
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Your Work Environment

The Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) is a joint research unit affiliated with the CNRS, the University of Bordeaux, and Bordeaux INP (http://www.lcpo.fr). The LCPO comprises five research teams and nearly 150 members, including approximately 50 permanent staff.

Building on nearly 40 years of expertise in polymer chemistry, the LCPO's research aims to:
-develop innovative methodologies for the precision synthesis of polymers, notably using biomimetic approaches and/or principles of green chemistry;
- develop functional polymer materials through macromolecular engineering and self-assembly, particularly in the fields of renewable materials, healthcare, and energy;
- establish long-term collaborations with socio-economic partners.

The recruited research engineer will work within Team 5 of the LCPO and in collaboration with an industrial partner. The work will be supervised by Olivier Sandre (CNRS Research Director) and Étienne Grau (Associate Professor, University of Bordeaux).
Team 5, "Polymers and Environment", led by Étienne Grau, aims to address the environmental challenges associated with polymer materials by integrating sustainability considerations from their design through to their end of life. The team develops approaches combining polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, and environmental sciences to better understand, design, and transform polymer systems within a circular economy framework.

Its main research areas are:
- eco-design of polymer materials, based on safe-by-design approaches, green chemistry, and structure–degradability relationships;
- recyclability of complex polymer systems, including compatibilization strategies, additive-assisted mechanical recycling, and the understanding and reduction of NIAS (non-intentionally added substances);
- the study of micro- and nanoplastics, including their formation, transformation, and detection in complex environments, as well as the development of capture and remediation strategies.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €2,496 and €2,662 gross per month, depending on experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions