Two PhD Fellowship on ionic polymers and electrolyte interfaces

Two PhD Fellowships in Chemistry are available in the group of Professor Maria Forsyth at the Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering, POLYMAT Fundazioa (www.polymat.eu).

The positions form part of POLARIS (Polymer Electrolyte Interface Engineering for Anodeless Solid-State Batteries), an ERC Advanced Grant project funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement 101266859. POLARIS investigates ionic polymers and electrolyte interfaces for solid-state sodium batteries, combining experimental research and molecular modelling.

Applicants should hold a relevant BSc and MSc, or equivalent qualifications allowing admission to doctoral studies, by the starting date (2027). We seek enthusiastic candidates with a passion for research, scientific curiosity and a willingness to learn. Good communication skills, including a good command of written and spoken English, are essential.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage: polymer synthesis, electrochemistry, and materials characterisation using techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, NMR, AFM and impedance spectroscopy. Prior experience in these techniques is desirable but not essential.

Successful candidates will undertake research, prepare reports and publications, and complete a doctoral thesis. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a telephone interview.

Documents to be uploaded in one single PDF:

• a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position.
• curriculum vitae.
• a description of previous research (1-2 pages).
• the names and contact addresses (e-mail) of two academic referees.

This is the link to the application forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeacZeWzY8uayiNsKr3OmRUDI0a4duR24miFMLPG6lggPD82Q/viewform?usp=header

POLYMAT has obtained the ‘HR Excellence in Research award’. The award reflects our commitment to continuously improve our human resource policies in line with the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and our commitment to achieve fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Submission deadline: 30.11.2026