Description du sujet de thèse

The MECANO project aims to exploit the opportunities offered by mechanical bonds to improve the properties of polymers. Indeed, many additives are necessary to modify these properties (mechanical, fire resistance, appearance, etc.), but problems related to the migration of these molecules into the material lead to premature aging, environmental, and health issues. The objective of the project is therefore to use mechanical bonds to produce additives mechanically linked to polymer chains in order to reduce their migration and the associated risks.
The methodology associated with this doctoral project will be structured around two areas of work: 1) the synthetic chemistry required to construct polyrotaxanes composed of a polymer axis and intertwined macrocycles, covalently linked to the additives of interest, and 2) the characterization of mechanically interlocked polymers at the (macro-)molecular level.
The multidisciplinary nature of this doctoral project combining fundamental research with an applied science objective requires skills in synthetic organic chemistry, polymer functionalization, and physical chemistry of polymer materials.

Contexte de travail

This PhD position will be based in Strasbourg (France) at the Institut Charles Sadron, a specific unit of the CNRS recognized worldwide for its expertise in the field of polymer materials and self-assembled systems. The SAMS team, also attached to the University of Strasbourg, is interested in studying and understanding self-assembly processes to lead to the next generation of so-called “intelligent” materials. It has all the human and material resources necessary to carry out the proposed project. For more information on the host team, do not hesitate to consult the website: http://sams.ics-cnrs.unistra.fr/

The position will be located in Strasbourg, France.The proposed doctoral project will be carried out in close collaboration with SOPREMA, a world leader company in the field of building materials, particularly waterproofing, roofing, insulation and roof functionalization, and whose head office and R&D department is located in Strasbourg.

Position Benefits:
- CROUS catering subsidized by the CNRS.
- Easy access to campus by public transportation.
- Partial coverage of public transportation passes.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

We are looking for an outstanding highly motivated candidate (M/F) with a strong academic record holding a Master degree in Chemistry. An excellent theoretical background as well as experience in synthetic organic chemistry are a prerequisite. Experience in soft matter materials and/or supramolecular chemistry would be an asset.

Skills/Qualifications
• Master degree or equivalent in organic chemistry
• High proficiency in spoken and written English, C1 level
• Networking and communication skills, to be evaluated in the interview.
• Excellent communication as well as organisational skills and willing to engage an interdisciplinary collaborative research.
Candidates (M/F) will be integrated in an international multi-disciplinary team. The candidate (M/F) must therefore have excellent personal skills and be able to work in a team.

Pre-selection will be based on CV, experience, skills and motivation letter. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by an experience selection committee.

Applications should consist of the following documents:
• A complete Curriculum Vitae
• A motivation letter (1 page) addressing his/her research interests in relationship to the individual research project.
• 2 references
• University transcripts and other relevant certificates