PhD – Soft Matter / PlasticPhase PSL University, France

Molecular Biology, Nanomaterials, Nanoscience, Polymer Science, Research, Soft Matter
France
29 September 2026
Fixed Term Fully Funded PhD PhD Opportunity PhD position Research

Job Description

Organization: Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL University)

Laboratory: Chimie Physique et Chimie du Vivant (CPCV) UMR 8228

Doctoral School: Chemical Sciences – ED 40

Location: France

Position: PhD Student in Soft Matter – PlasticPhase: Micro and Nanoplastics as Modulators of Phase Separation and Protein Aggregation

Project Overview

The PRISM (PhD Research Programme for International Training in Sustainable Soft Matter) programme at Université Paris Sciences & Lettres (PSL) is offering fully funded PhD fellowships focused on sustainable soft matter science and ecological transition.

This PhD project, titled PlasticPhase, investigates how micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) interact with biomolecular condensates and influence phase separation and protein aggregation. The research explores whether environmental plastic particles can alter intracellular phase behaviour and contribute to the formation of persistent, solid-like protein assemblies associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

The project combines soft matter physics, chemistry, biophysics and molecular biology to investigate the physical and biological mechanisms underlying MNP–condensate interactions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Construct model biomolecular condensates using engineered protein scaffolds that undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS).
  • Study synthetic condensates in controlled in vitro systems and living cells.
  • Investigate UBQLN2 as a disease-relevant model for protein condensation and pathological aggregation.
  • Generate a tunable library of micro- and nanoplastics with controlled size, charge and surface chemistry.
  • Prepare polystyrene nanoparticles with different sizes and modify their surfaces through PEGylation.
  • Prepare nanoparticles based on polymers such as PMMA, PE and PLA using nanoprecipitation.
  • Quantify how different MNP characteristics influence nucleation rates, condensate growth and phase behaviour.
  • Monitor nucleation and coarsening processes using advanced biophysical techniques.
  • Use live-cell imaging and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) to investigate molecular exchange rates and condensate viscosity.
  • Apply microrheology to characterize changes in cytoplasmic viscoelasticity following particle exposure.
  • Compare in vitro and cellular results to distinguish direct physicochemical effects from indirect cellular stress responses.
  • Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations spanning chemistry, physics, biophysics and biology.

Required Qualifications

  • Strong background in soft matter and an interest in biological systems.
  • Training in the theoretical and experimental foundations of complex fluids and colloids.
  • Understanding of physical principles governing out-of-equilibrium and mesoscale systems.
  • Interest in applying physical concepts and experimental methods to biological questions.
  • Quantitative and analytical approach to interdisciplinary research.
  • Willingness to learn experimental approaches relevant to biophysics.
  • Ability to work effectively at the interface of physics and biology.
  • Scientific curiosity, adaptability and motivation to work in collaborative research environments.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience or strong interest in phase separation, colloids, complex fluids or soft matter.
  • Interest in biomolecular condensates and protein aggregation.
  • Familiarity with biophysical or microscopy-based experimental approaches would be relevant.
  • Interest in environmental micro- and nanoplastics and their biological effects.

Employment Details

  • Full-time PhD position.
  • Duration: 36 months.
  • Start date: 1 March 2027.
  • The PhD is offered through the PRISM sustainable soft matter research programme.
  • The programme includes international and intersectoral training opportunities, mobility and secondments, as well as courses in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship and career development.
  • Annual tuition fee: €0/year.

Salary & Benefits

  • Funding type: European contract.
  • Salary: €2,200 net per month.
  • Fully funded PhD fellowship.
  • International, interdisciplinary and intersectoral research training.
  • Opportunities for mobility and secondments.
  • Training in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship and transferable skills.

Application Documents

Application details and required documents are provided through the PRISM programme application portal.

English Language Requirement

  • English: C1 (advanced).
  • French: No French language requirement.
  • The thesis can be completed in English.

Research Environment

The project brings together expertise in polymeric nano- and microparticles, soft matter and phase transitions, biophysics, and protein biochemistry.

The PRISM programme also provides opportunities for international collaboration, including research links in protein aggregation biophysics, proteostasis and amyloid systems, as well as intersectoral collaboration with industry partners.

Application Deadline

31 October 2026 at 23:59 Paris time.

Starting Date

1 March 2027.

Reference

CF202649535

External Link

Apply through the PRISM programme website: https://doctorat.campusfrance.org/en/CF202649535

 

Location

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