(M/F) Development of an industrial lignin-based biobased binder for biomaterials

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire de chimie des polymères organiques Research Field Mathematics History » History of science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 19 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Dec 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

You will develop an activated lignin capable of playing the role of a high-performance binder in Reed Materials, and then you will integrate it into a formulation compatible with industrial production.
The work will follow the following chain: lignin selection, activation, characterization, formulation, optimization of thermopressing, material characterization, preparation of industrial transfer.
You will be involved both in understanding the physico-chemical mechanisms and in translating them into technical solutions compatible with Reed Material's industrial constraints.

1. Conduct a scientific review of the main lignin activation pathways
2. Selecting and characterizing different industrial lignins
3. Develop and compare multiple chemical modification or activation pathways, and then produce and characterize activated lignins
4. Establish the relationships between chemical structure, thermal properties, rheology and binding power
5. Develop lignin/fiber/additive formulations
6. Build and manage experimental designs, studying the influence of lignin content, additives, particle size and humidity
7. Optimize the thermopressing parameters

1. Characterize the mechanical, water and dimensional performance of materials
2. Statistically analyze results and identify critical parameters
3. Formalize robust and reproducible experimental protocols
4. Contribute to the definition of industrial specifications for lignin
5. Prepare for the transfer of formulations and processes to pilot and then industrial scale

Reed Material is developing a new generation of materials from lignocellulosic biomass and industrial lignin, particularly for the furniture and furnishing markets.
As part of a research program conducted with the Laboratory of Organic Polymer Chemistry (LCPO), Reed Material wishes to develop and master a bio-based lignin-based binder system, meeting requirements in terms of material performance, reproducibility, cost and industrialization.
The program covers the entire scientific chain, from the selection and activation of lignin to its integration into a material formulation, and then its transfer to pilot scale.

PhD in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, lignin chemistry, bio-based materials, lignocellulosic composites or equivalent field, with a solid experimental culture and the ability to link molecular chemistry, material formulation and macroscopic properties.
Direct experience with lignin is particularly appreciated. We remain open to profiles from other natural polymers, biopolymers, bio-based adhesives or fibre-polymer composites.
The ideal profile will have worked on topics such as the modification and chemical characterization of lignin for polymer and composite applications, bio-based binders and lignocellulosic composites, lignin-based polymer adhesives and formulations, or more broadly lignin functionalization, thermoplastic or thermosetting resins and natural fiber-polymer composites.

A significant experience in several of the following areas is expected:

1. 6. Polymer chemistry and modification : functionalization, grafting, esterification and other modification pathways of natural polymers
2. 7. Lignin and lignocellulosic biomass : industrial lignins, lignocellulose, biopolymers, bio-based aromatic molecules
3. 8. Chemical characterization : FTIR, NMR, functional group analysis, structure-property relationships
4. 9. Thermal characterization : DSC, TGA, Tg, thermal behavior of polymers
5. 10. Rheology : behavior of a polymer or binder under temperature and stress
6. 11. Material formulation : fiber/matrix/additive interactions, dispersion, ratio optimization
7. 12. Design of Experiments (DoE): Construction, Execution, and Statistical Analysis

Experience with lignocellulosic composites, bio-based adhesives, panels, heat pressing or fibrous materials will be a real plus.<