Summary
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Position under the GLAMOOR research project, focusing on understanding the ageing and degradation mechanisms of Polyamide 6 (PA6) fibre ropes exposed to marine environments. The research aims to investigate the physicochemical and mechanical changes in PA6 materials during accelerated ageing and establish relationships between chemical degradation, microstructural changes, and mechanical performance. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Ifremer, France Energies Marines, and ENSTA, contributing to the development of improved engineering models for floating offshore wind turbine mooring lines.
Postdoctoral Research Position in Ageing Mechanisms of Polyamide 6 (PA6) Ropes in Marine Environments
Position Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Materials Science, Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Ageing, Marine Materials, Offshore Renewable Energy |
| Location | France (France Energies Marines / Ifremer collaboration) |
| Project | GLAMOOR |
| Starting Date | 01 February 2027 |
| Position Type | Postdoctoral Research Position |
Eligibility / Qualifications
- PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Polymer Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of polymer science, particularly structure–property relationships, mechanical behaviour, and ageing mechanisms.
- Good understanding of physicochemical characterisation techniques for polymers.
- Extensive hands-on experience in the characterisation of polymer materials.
- Ability to analyse and interpret experimental results by correlating physicochemical changes with mechanical performance.
- Strong scientific curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and research aptitude.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in academic and industrial environments.
- Good scientific writing, summarising, and spoken English communication skills.
Additional Advantages:
- Experience in mechanical and physicochemical characterisation of polymer fibres and/or synthetic ropes.
- Knowledge of polymer ageing mechanisms in marine environments, particularly water sorption and hydrolysis.
- Familiarity with fatigue behaviour of polymer materials.
- Experience in experimental data processing and programming, particularly Python.
- Knowledge of offshore renewable energy technologies.
Job Description
The selected candidate will contribute to investigating the ageing mechanisms of synthetic cables and Polyamide 6 (PA6) fibre ropes exposed to marine environments. The research will combine experimental investigations, physicochemical characterisation, mechanical testing, and modelling approaches.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Experimental Research and Testing
- Conduct and monitor accelerated ageing tests on PA6 fibres under marine environmental conditions.
- Evaluate mechanical properties before and after ageing, particularly through tensile testing and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA).
- Perform physicochemical and thermal characterisation using FTIR, DSC, and TGA techniques.
- Analyse and interpret experimental results to identify material degradation mechanisms.
- Investigate correlations between physicochemical changes, microstructural modifications, and mechanical properties.
2. Modelling and Data Analysis
- Analyse ageing kinetics and relationships between physicochemical changes and mechanical performance.
- Contribute to developing approaches for understanding and describing changes in material properties during ageing.
- Support the improvement of engineering models representing the long-term behaviour of PA6 mooring lines.
3. Research Dissemination
- Prepare technical reports and scientific publications.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and project meetings.
- Collaborate with research teams at France Energies Marines, ENSTA, and Ifremer.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover Letter describing their research experience, qualifications, and suitability for the position.
Candidates being seconded by a member of France Energies Marines must also provide confirmation of agreement from their current employer.
Applications should be submitted through the official recruitment/application channel of the recruiting organisation.
Note: In accordance with applicable regulations, priority will be given to candidates with disabilities, all other things being equal.
Last Date for Apply
30 November 2026
Expected Starting Date: 01 February 2027
