Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F): Functionalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles by Plasma Polymerization

Job Description

Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for developing and optimizing plasma-based functionalization processes for ferrimagnetic nanoparticles.
The successful candidate will be responsible for investigating the relationships between plasma parameters, plasma polymer growth mechanisms, and the physicochemical properties of the resulting coatings, and for transferring the optimized conditions from model surfaces to magnetic nanoparticles.

Activity

The main activities are as follows:
- investigation of plasma polymerization kinetics on model substrates;
- identification of the different growth regimes;
- chemical, physical, and mechanical characterization of the coatings;
- functionalization of nanoparticles with different sizes and morphologies;
- ptimization of the surface properties of magnetic nanoparticles;
- scale-up of the process to approximately 10 g of nanoparticles;
- Prepare scientific reports and contribute to the valorization and dissemination of research findings through scientific presentations and publications.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate should hold a PhD in plasma physics and chemistry, materials science, surface science, polymer chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.
Experience in low-pressure plasma processes, plasma polymerization, thin-film deposition, surface functionalization, or materials characterization will be highly valued.
Experience with magnetic nanoparticles and techniques such as XPS, FTIR, AFM, ellipsometry, or TEM will be considered an asset.
The successful candidate should also demonstrate:
- strong experimental skills;
- the ability to independently design and conduct experiments;
- strong data analysis and interpretation skills;
- the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment;
- good scientific communication skills;
- strong scientific writing skills in English.

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral researcher will join the Mulhouse Materials Science Institute (IS2M), within an interdisciplinary scientific environment bringing together, in particular, materials science, plasma science, surface chemistry, and nanomaterials. The institute is a major research center in the field of materials and their applications, with strong academic and industrial partnerships at both regional and national levels. For more information about IS2M, please visit the institute's website: https://www.is2m.uha.fr/.
The postdoctoral researcher will work within the Plasma Polymerization and Coatings team, under the scientific supervision of Dr. Aissam Airoudj and Prof. Vincent Roucoules.
The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with the researchers involved in the various aspects of the MAGNIFIC project. They will collaborate with specialists in magnetic nanoparticles, water remediation, and CO₂ capture.
This position offers an opportunity to develop expertise at the interface of plasma processes, surface engineering, nanomaterials, and environmental applications.
The Mulhouse Materials Science Institute is located on the Illberg campus of the University of Haute-Alsace, in a dynamic region bordering Germany and Switzerland. The campus is approximately 40 minutes from a TGV high-speed train station and an airport.
Employee benefits: mobility allowance and fixed contributions towards transportation and supplementary health insurance costs, access to university dining facilities, continuing professional development opportunities, and complementary health insurance.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Starting from €3,072 gross per month, depending on the candidate's profile and 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