MSCA PhD "Modeling of plasma Processes" (Msca-Dn “PRIME LEAP

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 Final date to receive applications 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  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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.

E‑mail primeleap

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:

• (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.

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  and a mobility allowance of Euro 25'560.00.

In addition, if a Doctoral Candidate has…