PhD Scholarship in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry: LUT University, Finland, invites applications for a fully funded Doctoral Researcher (PhD) position in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry. The position is hosted by the Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Sciences, and focuses on developing advanced polymer-based materials for selective recovery of critical metals from secondary sources. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland and offers excellent opportunities for experimental research, international collaboration, and professional development.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry – Selective Recovery of Critical Metals
🎓 Designation
Doctoral Researcher (PhD Candidate)
Field: Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
🧪 Research Area
- Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
- Separation Science
- Functional & Chelating Polymer Materials
- Critical Metal Recovery
- Coordination Chemistry & Metal–Ligand Interactions
- Sustainable & Hydrometallurgical Separation Processes
📍 Location
LUT University – Lappeenranta Campus, Finland
(Hybrid work possible; regular on-site laboratory work required)
✅ Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in:
- Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry or related fields
Desirable Experience / Interest in:
- Polymer and materials chemistry
- Chelating ligands & coordination chemistry
- Functional materials synthesis for separation
- Characterization techniques:
- FTIR, NMR, SEM/TEM, TGA, BET
- ICP-OES / ICP-MS
- Hydrometallurgical or solid–liquid separation processes
- Computational chemistry (e.g., DFT) – optional but advantageous
Personal Skills:
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong communication skills
- Motivation to pursue and complete doctoral studies on schedule
🧑🔬 Job Description
The doctoral researcher will work on the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of advanced polymer-based separation materials for selective metal recovery.
Key responsibilities include:
- Synthesizing and characterizing new chelating monomers
- Tailoring polymerization into functional separation materials
- Designing materials with high selectivity, stability, and performance
- Evaluating materials in realistic hydrometallurgical environments
- Studying metal–ligand interactions and separation mechanisms
- Supporting experimental work with computational tools where applicable
- Publishing high-quality research and participating in conferences
- Collaborating with international research partners
A research visit to an international partner laboratory may be included.
🎁 What the Scholarship Offers
- Fully funded PhD position (up to 4 years)
- Competitive monthly salary: ~EUR 2,780/month (starting level)
- Flexible working hours (1,612 hours/year as per Finnish system)
- One-year initial contract (6-month trial), extendable up to 4 years
- Research incentive scheme for high-quality publications
- Mentoring by experienced supervisors
- Support for conferences, research visits, and international networking
- Access to Finland’s largest academic separation science research unit
- Work-life balance in a high-quality research environment
Start Date: Early 2026
📝 How to Apply
Apply online and upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (as per Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity)
- Bachelor’s & Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
- Certified translations if not in English or Finnish
- If degree is unfinished, include expected completion date
- Master’s thesis (or draft/abstract/other major research work)
- List of publications (if available)
- One-page research interest statement aligned with the project
- Contact details of two references
⚠️ Incomplete applications will not be considered.
📅 Last Date to Apply
🗓 31 January 2026
⏰ 23:59 (UTC +2)
📌 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
📧 Contact for Queries
Dr. Youssef El Ouardi
📩 Email: youssef.el.ouardi@lut.fi
Technical support: recruitment@lut.fi
