Fully Funded Chemical Engineering PhD & Postdoc

Apply for fully funded MS, PhD and Postdoc positions in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. Opportunities at Rowan University (USA), Université Paris Cité and University of Strasbourg. Full tuition, stipends and visa sponsorship available.

The Research Frontier: Fully Funded Opportunities in Chemical Engineering and Molecular Chemistry

The global scientific landscape in 2026 is defined by a desperate need for sustainable materials, advanced medicinal chemistry, and the electrification of chemical synthesis. For researchers entering the field today, the barriers between disciplines—Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, and Electrocatalysis—are dissolving, creating high-impact roles for those with the right technical expertise.

Three major international recruitment drives for MS, PhD and Postdoctoral positions. These roles offer not only academic prestige but also complete financial security, including full tuition coverage, competitive living stipends, and visa sponsorship for international scholars.

1. The Soft Matter Lab at Rowan University (USA): Chemical Engineering & Sustainability

Rowan University, located in Glassboro, New Jersey, is home to the innovative Soft Matter Lab (SM Lab) within the Department of Chemical Engineering. Under a mission of “Materials for Sustainability,” the lab is aggressively recruiting talent to solve crises in water purification, mineral extraction, and energy storage.

Available Positions

• Postdoctoral Researcher: Immediate start required.

• MS/PhD Students: Anticipated start dates as early as June 2026.

Research Focus Areas

The SM Lab specializes in the intersection of polymer science and environmental engineering. Key projects include:

1. Water Purification: Developing advanced membranes and hydrogels for contaminant removal.

2. Mineral Extractions: Utilizing soft materials for selective ion recovery.

3. Flexible Energy Storage: Engineering polymers for next-generation batteries and supercapacitors.

Candidate Requirements

For MS/PhD Applicants:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry.

• Core Knowledge: High proficiency in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and polymer science.

• Soft Skills: Scientific curiosity, initiative, and independent problem-solving.

For Postdoctoral Applicants:

• Education: PhD in a related field with a proven record of peer-reviewed publications.

• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in mentoring students and contributing to grant proposals.

• Technical Mastery: Expertise in material synthesis and characterization (FTIR, SEM, XRD, Rheology).

Application Details

• Official Lab Website: thesoftmatterlab.com

• Application Link: Rowan University SM Lab Application Form

• Contact Email: softmatterlab@rowan.edu

• Office Address: Rowan University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.

Note: Email applications sent directly to the lab address instead of the Google Form will result in immediate rejection.

2. Université Paris Cité, France: PhD in Antiplasmodial Natural Products

The PNAS Team (Pharmacognosie – Phytochimie) at Université Paris Cité is at the forefront of the fight against malaria. They are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate to bridge the gap between organic semi-synthesis and biological evaluation.

Project: 28-Norlupane Triterpenes & Betulinic Acid

The research focuses on the semi-synthesis of triterpene derivatives from betulinic acid to combat Plasmodium falciparum.

• Project Goal: Modifying natural endoperoxides to study structure-activity relationships (SAR).

• Collaboration: Integrated biological screening with CNRP at Hôpital Bichat.

Candidate Profile

• Required Skills: Strong synthetic organic chemistry, NMR interpretation, and a passion for medicinal natural products.

• Documentation: CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts are mandatory.

Contact & Application

• Primary Supervisor: Pr. Xavier Cachet – xavier.cachet@u-paris.fr

• Co-Supervisor: Dr. Claire Cuyamendous – claire.cuyamendous@u-paris.fr

• Office Address: Université Paris Cité, Faculty of Pharmacy, 4 Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France.

3. University of Strasbourg, France: Electrifying Chemical Synthesis

The University of Strasbourg, a historic center for chemical excellence, is proposing a PhD project dedicated to the “Electrification of Synthesis.” This project is ideal for those interested in sustainable “Green Chemistry” and molecular electrocatalysis.

Project: Molecular Electrocatalysis for Defunctionalization

The goal is to develop catalytic systems that use electricity as a reagent to drive defunctionalization reactions, reducing the reliance on toxic chemical reductants.

• Deadline: Applications must be submitted before April 10th, 2026.

• Selection: This is a highly competitive position vetted by the regional doctoral school.

Candidate Profile

• Education: MSc in Chemistry with an excellent track record.

• Expertise: Solid grounding in organometallic and molecular chemistry.

• Experience: Handling chemicals under an inert atmosphere (Glovebox/Schlenk line) is highly valued.

Skills to be Developed

Successful candidates will master:

• Advanced Spectroscopy: Spectro-electrochemistry and Voltammetry.

• Analytical Methods: NMR, GC, and Mass Spectrometry (MS).

• Professionalism: Formatting results for international conferences and high-impact journals.

Application Details

• Information Link: University of Strasbourg Amethis Portal

• Office Address: University of Strasbourg, 4 Rue Blaise Pascal, 67081 Strasbourg, France.

Financial Benefits and Sponsorship for 2026 Scholars

Applying for these international positions in 2026 offers significant advantages over traditional domestic programs:

1. Visa Sponsorship: All three institutions (Rowan, Paris Cité, Strasbourg) provide comprehensive assistance for F-1 (USA) or Research Talent (EU) visas.

2. Full Funding: “Fully funded” means $0 tuition fees. The living stipend is designed to cover housing, food, and personal expenses comfortably.

3. Research Budget: Candidates are provided with dedicated budgets for traveling to international conferences (e.g., ACS, AIChE, or EuChemS).

How to Prepare Your Application for Success

To stand out in the 2026 recruitment cycle, your application must be technically precise and professionally formatted.

1. The CV/Resume

Do not use a generic template. Highlight your lab techniques (e.g., “Synthesized 50+ hydrogel samples using UV-crosslinking” or “Experienced in 2D-NMR interpretation”).

2. The Statement of Interest

For the Rowan University application, emphasize your interest in Soft Matter. Explain how your background in thermodynamics will help you design better water purification systems. For the Strasbourg role, focus on your passion for Electrosynthesis.

3. Transcripts

Ensure your transcripts are translated into English (for Rowan) or French/English (for Paris/Strasbourg). Focus on showing strength in core engineering and chemistry courses.

Summary of Opportunities