Postdoc – Alterung von Polyamid-6-Seilen (m/w/d)

Informations

Référence : FEM-SAS-2026-322

• Fixed-term contract
• Brest (29) - France Energies Marines and Ifremer
• 18 months

Job description

Synthetic polyamide 6 (nylon) fibre ropes are promising solutions for the mooring lines of future floating offshore wind turbines in moderate water depths. However, the fatigue performance of stranded polyamide 6 fibre mooring lines over the entire lifetime of an offshore wind farm, as well as their ageing behaviour in the marine environment, remain major research challenges. This postdoctoral research position will contribute to the GLAMOOR research project, building on the work carried out through the BAMOS, MONAMOOR and POLYAMOOR projects. The research will be conducted in partnership with Ifremer.

Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to understanding the ageing mechanisms of synthetic cables and polyamide 6 (PA6) fibre ropes exposed to the marine environment. The objective will be to identify the physicochemical and mechanical changes occurring in the material during accelerated ageing and to establish parametric relationships between chemical degradation, microstructural changes and the evolution of mechanical properties. Ultimately, this work will improve the representation of PA6 mooring line behaviour in engineering models.

The research will be based on an experimental approach combining ageing tests, physicochemical characterisation and mechanical testing, in collaboration with the teams at France Energies Marines, ENSTA and Ifremer.

Experimental work

• Conduct and monitor ageing tests on polyamide 6 fibres in a marine environment
• Characterise the mechanical properties of materials before and after ageing, particularly through tensile testing and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
• Carry out physicochemical and thermal characterisation (FTIR, DSC, TGA)
• Analyse and interpret experimental results
• Investigate the relationships between physicochemical changes and mechanical properties in order to identify degradation mechanisms

Model work

• Analyse ageing kinetics and the relationships between physicochemical changes and mechanical properties
• Contribute to the development of approaches to improve the understanding and description of changes in material properties during ageing
• Disseminate research findings through technical reports, scientific publications and presentations at conferences and project meetings

Required Skills

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Polymer Physical Chemistry or a related field

Specific knowledge

• Strong knowledge of polymer science, particularly structure-property relationships, mechanical behaviour and ageing mechanisms
• Good knowledge of physicochemical characterisation techniques for polymers
• Ability to analyse and interpret experimental results by correlating observed changes of physico chemical properties to mechanical performances

Would be a +

• Experience in the mechanical and physicochemical characterisation of polymer fibres and/or synthetic ropes
• Knowledge of polymer ageing mechanisms in marine environments, particularly water sorption and hydrolysis phenomena
• Knowledge of the fatigue behaviour of polymer materials
• Skills in experimental data processing and programming (e.g. Python)
• Knowledge of offshore renewable energy

Work experience

Extensive hands-on experience in the characterisation of polymer materials

Professional qualities

• Scientific curiosity, creativity and a strong interest in research activities
• Scientific rigour and critical thinking
• Ability to work independently and strong organisational skills
• Ability to work as part of a team in both academic and industrial environments
• Strong summarising and writing skills, with good spoken English communication skills
• Ability to read and write technical reports and scientific papers in English

Modalités de candidature

Starting date: 01 February 2027

In accordance with regulations, all other things being equal, priority will be given to people with disabilities.

• Applications must include a CV and a cover letter.
• If the candidate is being seconded by a member of France Energies Marines, the application must include confirmation of the current employer's agreement.