Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) in Materials Chemistry – Plasma Polymerization (Technical Textiles)

Job Description

Missions

- Design and assembly of a prototype plasma polymerization reactor for the treatment of medical textiles.
( Development of a plasma polymerization process for the functionalization of medical textiles, ensuring product sterility and compliance with the standards applicable to use in operating rooms, while minimizing the environmental footprint of the process.

Activity

- Design, build, and start a prototype plasma polymerization reactor for the treatment of medical textiles.
- Develop functional thin films by plasma polymerization.
- Characterize the chemical, physical, and physico-chemical properties of the resulting thin films using infrared spectroscopy, XPS, contact angle measurements, AFM, ellipsometry, and confocal microscopy.
- Optimize selected plasma polymerization process parameters to achieve the targeted performance, in collaboration with an industrial partner within the framework of a joint research laboratory.
- Investigate structure–property relationships in the thin films based on multi-technique characterization (chemical, physicochemical, physical, and biological) of the developed functional textiles.
- Assess the durability of the surface modification and the impact of sterilization processes on coating properties.
- Communicate literature findings and experimental results through written reports and oral presentations.
- Contribute to the supervision of a CIFRE PhD student and Master's-level students.
- Contribute to the scientific activities and coordination of a research group.

Your Profil

Skills

- Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in surface functionalization, particularly plasma polymerization, and surface characterization.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, particularly in the interpretation of experimental results.
- Ability to work independently, combined with creativity and scientific curiosity.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- English proficiency at B2 level or above.
- Experience in project management.
- Experience in supervising interns and/or teaching.
- Strong interest in experimental research and data analysis, as well as in collaborative and applied research.
- Experience in microbiology would be an asset.

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral researcher (M/F) will join the Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse (IS2M), an interdisciplinary research environment bringing together expertise in materials science, plasma polymerization technology, and surface chemistry. IS2M is a major research institute in the field of materials science and its applications, with strong recognition in both academic and industrial communities at regional and national levels. For more information about IS2M, please visit the institute's website: https://www.is2m.uha.fr/
The postdoctoral researcher (M/F) will work within the Interfaces et Matériaux Multidimensionnels (I2MD) research axis, contributing to research activities in Plasma Polymerization and Coatings under the supervision of Dr Florence Bally-Le Gall.
The project is part of the PLASMOP ANR Joint Laboratory (LabCom), a collaboration between PROTECTUS and IS2M. Its main scientific objective is to develop and implement an innovative surface functionalization process based on plasma polymerization for the design of washable and reusable technical textiles intended for use in operating rooms.
The successful candidate will interact closely with IS2M researchers and technical staff, as well as with employees and management at PROTECTUS. The position may also involve carrying out experimental trials at PROTECTUS (Marseille) or at the facilities of its collaborators.
This position offers the opportunity to develop expertise at the interface of plasma processing, surface engineering, textiles, and medical applications.
The Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse is located on the Illberg campus of the Université de Haute-Alsace, in a dynamic cross-border region close to both Germany and Switzerland. Mulhouse benefits from excellent transport connections, with a high-speed TGV railway station and an international airport approximately 40 minutes away.
Employee benefits: partial reimbursement of public transport passes and/or a sustainable mobility allowance, supplementary health and social protection, university catering services, and continuing professional development.

Constraints and risks

The position is located in a sector subject to the French regulations on the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST). In accordance with these regulations, the successful candidate's appointment is subject to prior authorization by the competent authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From €3,072 gross per month, depending on qualifications 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