A job application is open at the Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims (ICMR – CNRS UMR 7312), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne. The laboratory provides a postdoc in polymer chemistry for one year, which will be effective from October 2026. This position is part of the CHIPS project, which is being funded by the International Institut EXEBIO. The CHIPS project intends to develop natural polymers that can improve the efficiency of the copper-based treatments in viticulture. The team also intends to reduce the copper dose required for grapevines.
Postdoc in Polymer Chemistry Background
Copper-based products are an essential part of vine protection yet become a source of increased ecological problems, especially in relation to soil and water ecosystems. The objective of the CHIPS project is to develop a solution to this problem using chitosan, a biopolymer that can serve as a platform for delivery and optimization of copper-based products used for plant protection.
Specifically, it involves development of novel chitosan-based materials that will preserve or increase the efficiency of the products while decreasing the amount of copper used.
Postdoc in Polymer Chemistry Responsibilities and Research Activities
The selected applicant will have a central scientific role within the CHIPS project and will take part in all activities related to materials production and application-oriented characterization.
Main tasks will include:
- Designing and performing chemical functionalization of chitosan to control its physicochemical properties and surface interactions with leaves.
- Innovative synthesis of polymeric architectures, in particular, production of nanohydrogels and photocrosslinked gels based on chitosan derivatives.
- Study of copper binding in the obtained materials and its controlled release with the aim of optimizing its properties for sustainable protection of grapevines.
- Cooperation with biologists in charge of the project with a focus on correlation between the material properties and biological effectiveness in assays with grapevines.
- Assessment of environmental impact of the obtained formulations with particular focus on their effect on aquatic organisms.
This position provides the unique chance to operate in an interdisciplinary environment where polymer chemistry, agronomy, and environmental sciences meet.
Sustainable Crop Protection & Bio‑Based Materials: 8 Funded PhD
Postdoc in Polymer Chemistry Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate and diligent in his or her research endeavors and has excellent knowledge of either polymer or organic chemistry in addition to having a passion for sustainable agriculture and biobased materials.
Required Qualifications/Skills:
- Holder of PhD in Macromolecular Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or any other related field.
- Experience in the synthesis and/or functionalization of polymers.
- Sound knowledge of physicochemical characterization methods. Knowledge of NMR, nanoparticle characterization, ICP analysis, and polymer formulation will be considered as additional assets.
- Capacity to work independently yet effectively interact within an interdisciplinary team.
- Scientific rigor, organization, and passion to contribute to research at the interface of chemistry, biology, and environment.
Research Environment
This position will be based at the Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims (ICMR – CNRS UMR 7312), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France.
ICMR provides an innovative and interdisciplinary research atmosphere with excellent analytical equipment such as:
- 600 MHz NMR spectroscopy with cryo probe
- ICP apparatus
- Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
- An extensive physicochemical characterization platform
In this setting, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with chemists, biologists, and environmental scientists working on the CHIPS project as well as other projects associated with bioeconomy and sustainable technologies.
Contract Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Engineer
- Type of contract: 12-month full-time fixed-term contract
- Institution and address: Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims (ICMR – CNRS UMR 7312), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
- Preferred starting date: October 2026
Further details about administration and contract will be discussed during interview with selected candidates.
Application Procedure
Applicants wishing to apply are requested to send us the following:
- Curriculum Vitae detailing publications
- Letter of motivation describing research experience and reason for interest in the CHIPS project
Application material should be addressed by email to
- Prof. Francoise Chuburu: [email protected]
- Jr. Prof. Pauline Blyweert: [email protected]
Applications will be evaluated on a continuous basis until the candidate is selected. Selected candidates might be invited to give an interview and supply names of referees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the ideal candidate for this position?
An ideal candidate holds a PhD in macromolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with strong research skills in polymer synthesis and/or functionalization. They can work autonomously while actively collaborating with biologists and environmental scientists in an interdisciplinary team, and are motivated by developing sustainable, bio‑based materials for agricultural applications.
Do I need prior experience with chitosan or agricultural applications?
Experience specifically with chitosan or grapevine protection is not mandatory, although experience with biopolymers, polysaccharides, or life science materials would be useful. The most essential qualifications are a good knowledge of polymer and/or organic chemistry and interest in the biological and ecological issues involved.
What are the main scientific techniques I will use?
The project will be concerned with polymer synthesis and functionalization, nanohydrogel and photocrosslinked gel preparation, and various physicochemical characterization techniques. Some of the physicochemical characterization techniques could include NMR spectroscopy, nanoparticle characterization (DLS), and ICP analysis, among others from the physicochemical characterization platform. You will also have interactions with biological assay experiments conducted using grapevine by our (DLS) and other groups.
How does this project contribute to sustainable agriculture?
CHIPS seeks to develop chitosan-based platforms that will enhance the effectiveness of copper-based grapevine plant protection treatments while using reduced amounts of copper. In doing so, it seeks to reduce the copper input, as well as evaluate the environmental effect, especially its effect on aquatic life.
Is this a pure chemistry position, or will I be involved in biology as well?
You will mainly concentrate on the development of chemistry and materials: preparation and characterization of chitosan-based systems. Nevertheless, you will collaborate with biologists to establish the connection between material properties and biological performance in the tests of grapevines; therefore, you will constantly deal with biological information, although you may not conduct any bio-experiments personally.
What is the duration of the contract and when does it start?
The position is available for a period of 12 months on a fixed-term contract basis, with an ideal start date of October 2026. The exact starting terms can be negotiated with the successful applicant accordingly.
Where will I be based and what facilities are available?
The host institution for your training will be the Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims (ICMR – CNRS UMR 7312) at Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne in Reims, France. The institute offers facilities for analysis using the latest analytical equipment, including a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer with a cryo-probe, ICP instrumentation, DLS facility, and physicochemical characterization platforms.
What documents should I include in my application for postdoc in polymer chemistry?
Applicants are encouraged to forward a comprehensive CV (including list of publications) along with a cover letter indicating their research experience and suitability for this job and interest in CHIPS. As per our internal procedure, we may ask you at a later date for the names of some academic referees.
How do I apply for postdoc in polymer chemistry, and whom should I contact?
Please send all applications to the following email addresses:
- Pr. Francoise Chuburu: [email protected]
- Pr. Jr. Pauline Blyweert: [email protected]
It would be helpful if you include in the email’s “subject” heading the phrase “Application-CHIPS Postdoctoral Position.”
Can candidates outside France or the EU apply for postdoc in polymer chemistry?
We accept foreign applications if candidates match the scientific profile and qualify to work in France under relevant laws. The process of issuing visas and other official permits will take place in accordance with the relevant rules, and non-EU applicants need to have enough time to go through that process.
Leave a Reply