Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC)
Institute:
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Country:
Switzerland
Research Field:
Polymer Chemistry, catalysis, synthetic organic chemistry
Posted Date:
Jan 06, 2026
Deadline:
open until filled
Offer Period:
4 years
Offer Start Date:
Summer/Fall 2026
PhD Position in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
Description:
The Laboratory of Synthetic Polymer Chemistry (LCPS), headed by Prof. Suong Nguyen at the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC) at EPFL, Switzerland, is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join our group. The goal of our research, which lies at the interface of polymer chemistry, catalysis, and synthetic organic chemistry, is to develop catalysts and polymerization methods to achieve precise control over polymerization, discover new reactivities, and enable access to new functional and sustainable polymers.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
Ideal Ph.D. candidates would have:
- A four-year Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials
Science, broadly defined;
Preferred Qualification:
- Enthusiasm, self-motivation, creativity, and team spirit;
- Knowledge and research experience in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, materials science
and related fields. Priority will be given to candidates with experience in small molecule and
polymer synthesis;
- Experience with standard structural characterization techniques (e.g., NMR, IR, mass
spectrometry, chromatography). Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., GPC,
tensile testing, rheology, DMA, DSC and TGA) is a plus, but not required;
- Good communication skills in English (verbal and written).
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
4 years (with 100% work rate)
Benefits:
Comprehensive training in diverse areas of research and professional developments
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
- Opportunities to collaborate with world leading research groups at EPFL and beyond
- Networking opportunities via the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) Catalysis
Center, seminars, and conferences
- An internationally competitive stipend (see the current rates)
Visa application time for foreign students: If you are a foreign student and wish to join the LCPS,
you have to take into account the time necessary to obtain a Swiss Visa: ~2 months for European
Union Citizens and ~6 months for others.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
To have your application be considered, you need to submit a single PDF
document containing:
- Statement of Purpose. Please prepare a concise essay (maximum 2 pages) that describes your
research interests and relevant research experiences, as well as your objectives in pursuing a
PhD with our group. You are encouraged to include chemical figures if relevant.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including 3 referees at the end. At least one of the referees should be your
research advisor. For the referees, please include their name, current position, affiliation, and
email address. After an initial review, shortlisted candidates will be asked to request their referees
to send letters of recommendation on their behalf.
- Transcripts of grades from bachelor’s and (if relevant) master’s.
How to apply:
Please send your application to Prof. Nguyen via email
(suong.nguyen@epfl.ch) with the subject line: “LCPS PhD Application: [Your name]”. Only
completed applications containing all the required documents will be considered. Shortlisted
candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews with Prof. Suong Nguyen.
- Professor Suong Nguyen
Laboratory of Synthetic Polymer Chemistry (LCPS)
Timeline: Review of the applications will begin immediately. The positions will stay open until they are
filled.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
We are the Laboratory of Synthetic Polymer Chemistry, a young research group united by a shared passion for chemical reactivities and polymer science. We are exploring conceptually new catalyst designs and methods to achieve polymerization reactions with high efficiency and precise control, guided by mechanistic insights and computational studies. Working at the interface of polymer chemistry, catalysis, and synthetic organic chemistry, our research aims to discover new (macro)molecular reactivity, advance precision in polymerization processes, and create functional and sustainable materials for the modern world.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.