Postdoctoral Researcher – Bio-Inspired Biocomposites, IMT Mines Alès, France

Summary

IMT Mines Alès (Institut Mines-Télécom) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for a 24-month fixed-term research contract. The project is embedded within the French PEPR Bioproductions project (WALLMAT) and focuses on the design, manufacturing, and mechanical characterization of nanostructured bio-based composites inspired by the hierarchical architecture of secondary plant cell walls.

Designation

• Role / Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher (Bio-inspired biocomposites based on secondary plant cell walls: manufacturing processes and mechanical properties)
• Contract Type: 24-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Public Law Contract / Full-Time)
• Reference Job Category: II – P (IMT Management Framework)

Quick Overview

Research Area

• Bio-based and nanostructured materials
• Bio-inspired / biomimetic composites & plant cell wall architecture
• Advanced polymer processing (including 3D printing / additive manufacturing)
• Microstructural analysis & mechanical characterization (tensile, flexural, DMA)

Location

• Administrative Residence: IMT Mines Alès, Alès (Gard Department – Occitanie Region), France

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Education / Experience:

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven research experience in materials processing and mechanical characterization.

Technical & Transversal Skills:

• Expertise in polymer processing technologies, including additive manufacturing / 3D printing.
• Strong competency in microstructural analysis and mechanical modelling.
• Fundamental knowledge or strong interest in plant biology and/or plant biomechanics.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Good proficiency in written and spoken English.

Job Description & Key Responsibilities

Working within the C2MA laboratory and in conjunction with the WALLMAT consortium, the postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for:

1. Material Formulation & Architecture: Contributing to the development and formulation of nanostructured bio-based materials inspired by the hierarchical structure of secondary plant cell walls.
2. Process Optimization: Designing, evaluating, and optimizing sustainable manufacturing processes (e.g., extrusion, 3D printing) for producing nanostructured biocomposites.
3. Property & Structure Correlation: Establishing fundamental structure–process–property relationships.
4. Mechanical & Physical Characterization: Performing comprehensive material characterization with an emphasis on mechanical behavior (tensile, flexural, dynamic mechanical analysis [DMA], and microstructural imaging).
5. Dissemination: Presenting findings at international conferences and publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

How to Apply

1. Online Application: Submit your complete application (CV, cover letter, list of publications, and contact details of academic references) through the Institut Mines-Télécom Careers Portal.
2. Key Contacts:
   • Job & Scientific Enquiries: Nicolas LE MOIGNE (Associate Professor / Research Supervisor)
   • Administrative Matters: Géraldine BRUNEL (Director of Human Resources)

Last Date to Apply

• Application Deadline: October 4, 2026
• Selection Committee Meeting (Estimated): October 20, 2026

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