Politecnico di Milano
MSCA PhD opening in "Modeling of plasma processes" (MSCA-DN “PRIME LEAP”)
Politecnico di Milano, Italy, New York, United States
Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering
Organisation/Company Politecnico di Milano Department Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Chemistry » Computational chemistry Physics » Computational physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Italy Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101227012 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description PRIME LEAP (“Next-generation intensified chemical processes integrating plasma and single-atom catalysis”) is a European research and training initiative funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network. The project brings together leading universities, research centers, and industry partners to pioneer next-generation electrified chemical processes.
At its core, PRIME LEAP tackles one of the greatest challenges in modern chemistry: the sustainable and efficient conversion of methane. As both a major component of natural gas and a by-product of steam cracking, methane represents a vast yet underutilized resource. Through the synergistic power of plasma and catalytic technologies, the project will transform methane into a broad portfolio of value-added chemicals, paving the way for greener industrial practices. Ultimately, PRIME LEAP contributes to Europe’s climate and sustainability goals, supporting the transition toward greener, more resilient, and future-ready chemical manufacturing.
The project is now recruiting talented and ambitious PhD Candidates to join its network.
The selected candidates will benefit from world-class infrastructure and training in plasma science, advanced catalysis, digital process control, and sustainability assessment, carrying out cutting‑edge research with academia and industry. PRIME LEAP offers an exceptional opportunity to work within a vibrant, international consortium, gain interdisciplinary expertise, and contribute to breakthrough solutions for the chemical sector.
Within the PRIME LEAP network, Politecnico di Milano is recruiting 1 Doctoral Candidate to
model the kinetics active in
plasma reactor for methane conversion, with a specific focus on the nucleation of soot
. The position will be supervised by Prof. Carlo Cavallotti , and will offer the candidate the opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable process intensification while benefiting from tailored training and international secondments across the consortium.
Where to apply E‑mail primeleap@polimi.it
Requirements Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Chemistry » Computational chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Physics » Computational physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications:
Excellent command of English (C1 level) and an M.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Specific Requirements
(a) Commit full‑time to the research activity, unless authorization is granted by the European Commission for personal or family reasons.
(b) Carry out exclusively the research activities related to the specified research program, and refrain from undertaking any teaching activities at the university.
(c) Refrain from receiving any additional income beyond what is specified in the call.
(d) Agree to sign all necessary agreements concerning intellectual property rights.
(e) Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the regulations of the European Project.
Additional Information Each recruited Doctoral Candidate will be offered a temporary gross research fellowship, payable in monthly installments over the 36‑month contract period. The fellowship, before tax deductions, consists of
a living allowance
of Euro 137'575.08 and
a mobility allowance
of Euro 25'560.00.
In addition, if a Doctoral Candidate has a family at the start of the contract, or acquires family obligations during its duration, they may be entitled to
a family allowance
of Euro 17'820.00. All family allowance granted will be subject to the applicable deductions.
Eligibility criteria:
(a) the candidate must not have already earned a doctoral degree.
(b) at the time of recruitment, the candidate must not have lived or conducted their main activities (work, study, etc.) in the recruitment country for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date/starting date of the activities. Exemptions include compulsory national service, brief stays (such as vacations), and time spent as part of the refugee status procedure under the Geneva Convention.
(c) the candidate must meet ALL admission requirements for the PhD program at the recruitment institution. These requirements must be fulfilled at the start of the contract.
(d) candidates of all nationalities and genders are welcome to apply.
(e) in line with MSCA requirements, candidates must be willing to undertake international mobility during the fellowship, which is a mandatory requirement and may account for up to 30% of the contract duration.
Selection process
Initial screening by the prospective supervisor based on the submitted documents
Invitation to interview for shortlisted candidates only
Final selection determined through the interview process
Evaluation criteria
(a) Candidate’s CV and profile (35 points)
(b) Graduation mark (20 points)
(c) Relevance of MSc thesis and other scientific outputs (5 points)
(d) Prior work experience (5 points)
(e) Candidate’s motivation (35 points)
Additional comments Please submit your application form, CV, motivation letter, and copies of relevant diplomas to
primeleap@polimi.it
. NO EMAILS should be sent to the recruiting professors, since the only email used by the selection committee is
primeleap@polimi.it .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Organisation/Company Politecnico di Milano Department Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Chemistry » Computational chemistry Physics » Computational physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Italy Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101227012 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description PRIME LEAP (“Next-generation intensified chemical processes integrating plasma and single-atom catalysis”) is a European research and training initiative funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network. The project brings together leading universities, research centers, and industry partners to pioneer next-generation electrified chemical processes.
At its core, PRIME LEAP tackles one of the greatest challenges in modern chemistry: the sustainable and efficient conversion of methane. As both a major component of natural gas and a by-product of steam cracking, methane represents a vast yet underutilized resource. Through the synergistic power of plasma and catalytic technologies, the project will transform methane into a broad portfolio of value-added chemicals, paving the way for greener industrial practices. Ultimately, PRIME LEAP contributes to Europe’s climate and sustainability goals, supporting the transition toward greener, more resilient, and future-ready chemical manufacturing.
The project is now recruiting talented and ambitious PhD Candidates to join its network.
The selected candidates will benefit from world-class infrastructure and training in plasma science, advanced catalysis, digital process control, and sustainability assessment, carrying out cutting‑edge research with academia and industry. PRIME LEAP offers an exceptional opportunity to work within a vibrant, international consortium, gain interdisciplinary expertise, and contribute to breakthrough solutions for the chemical sector.
Within the PRIME LEAP network, Politecnico di Milano is recruiting 1 Doctoral Candidate to
model the kinetics active in
plasma reactor for methane conversion, with a specific focus on the nucleation of soot
. The position will be supervised by Prof. Carlo Cavallotti , and will offer the candidate the opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable process intensification while benefiting from tailored training and international secondments across the consortium.
Where to apply E‑mail primeleap@polimi.it
Requirements Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Chemistry » Computational chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Physics » Computational physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications:
Excellent command of English (C1 level) and an M.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Specific Requirements
(a) Commit full‑time to the research activity, unless authorization is granted by the European Commission for personal or family reasons.
(b) Carry out exclusively the research activities related to the specified research program, and refrain from undertaking any teaching activities at the university.
(c) Refrain from receiving any additional income beyond what is specified in the call.
(d) Agree to sign all necessary agreements concerning intellectual property rights.
(e) Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the regulations of the European Project.
Additional Information Each recruited Doctoral Candidate will be offered a temporary gross research fellowship, payable in monthly installments over the 36‑month contract period. The fellowship, before tax deductions, consists of
a living allowance
of Euro 137'575.08 and
a mobility allowance
of Euro 25'560.00.
In addition, if a Doctoral Candidate has a family at the start of the contract, or acquires family obligations during its duration, they may be entitled to
a family allowance
of Euro 17'820.00. All family allowance granted will be subject to the applicable deductions.
Eligibility criteria:
(a) the candidate must not have already earned a doctoral degree.
(b) at the time of recruitment, the candidate must not have lived or conducted their main activities (work, study, etc.) in the recruitment country for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date/starting date of the activities. Exemptions include compulsory national service, brief stays (such as vacations), and time spent as part of the refugee status procedure under the Geneva Convention.
(c) the candidate must meet ALL admission requirements for the PhD program at the recruitment institution. These requirements must be fulfilled at the start of the contract.
(d) candidates of all nationalities and genders are welcome to apply.
(e) in line with MSCA requirements, candidates must be willing to undertake international mobility during the fellowship, which is a mandatory requirement and may account for up to 30% of the contract duration.
Selection process
Initial screening by the prospective supervisor based on the submitted documents
Invitation to interview for shortlisted candidates only
Final selection determined through the interview process
Evaluation criteria
(a) Candidate’s CV and profile (35 points)
(b) Graduation mark (20 points)
(c) Relevance of MSc thesis and other scientific outputs (5 points)
(d) Prior work experience (5 points)
(e) Candidate’s motivation (35 points)
Additional comments Please submit your application form, CV, motivation letter, and copies of relevant diplomas to
primeleap@polimi.it
. NO EMAILS should be sent to the recruiting professors, since the only email used by the selection committee is
primeleap@polimi.it .
#J-18808-Ljbffr