A six-month Master 2 research internship in polymer chemistry and organic synthesis is available in Montpellier, France, beginning in January 2027. The research placement will focus on the synthesis of supported and multifunctional Lewis pairs designed as latent exchange catalysts for vitrimers and other covalent adaptable networks.
The internship will be hosted by the Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier (ICGM, UMR 5253) within the Department of Macromolecular Chemistry and Materials on the CNRS campus. The successful candidate will contribute to the ANR SupraCAN project, an academic research initiative investigating innovative latent catalysts that can control the dynamic exchange of covalent bonds in polymer networks.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to Master’s students with interests in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, macromolecular science, materials chemistry and controlled radical polymerization.
About the Research Project
Traditional thermosetting polymers obtain their dimensional stability through permanent covalent cross-links. While these networks provide strong mechanical properties, their permanent structure means that they cannot easily be reshaped or reprocessed.
Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) offer an alternative approach. Their covalent cross-links can undergo exchange reactions under appropriate conditions, allowing the materials to retain thermoset-like stability during normal operation while becoming malleable when the exchange process is activated.
Vitrimers are an important example of this type of material. However, researchers continue to face the challenge of simultaneously achieving structural stability at operating temperatures and sufficient flow behaviour for processing techniques such as extrusion and injection moulding.
The research group has previously demonstrated that boron–nitrogen Lewis pair systems can provide efficient and tunable on-demand activation of chemical exchange reactions in these networks.
The Master 2 intern will contribute to the development of new latent catalysts supported on polymer chains or organized through supramolecular assembly as part of the SupraCAN project.
Internship Mission and Research Activities
The six-month placement will combine organic synthesis, polymer chemistry and controlled radical polymerization.
The intern will be involved in several stages of the research programme, including:
- Preparing a family of styrenic monomers containing an N-alkylated imidazole.
- Varying substitution at ring position 2 to produce different monomer structures.
- Homopolymerizing and copolymerizing the synthesized monomers with styrene.
- Applying controlled radical polymerization techniques while varying polymer composition and maintaining a fixed target molar mass.
- Synthesizing a ditopic borane capable of bridging two imidazole units located on the same polymer chain.
- Characterizing synthesized compounds at the molecular level using 1D and 2D multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.
- Applying mass spectrometry to investigate molecular structures.
- Characterizing polymers using size exclusion chromatography.
- Conducting thermal analysis of the resulting macromolecular materials.
- Studying Lewis pair association using variable-temperature ¹¹B NMR.
- Beginning investigations into self-assembly at the nanoparticle scale.
The intern will also conduct relevant scientific literature research and will be expected to communicate research findings during progress meetings and at the conclusion of the placement.
Research Environment in Montpellier
The internship will take place at the Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier (ICGM, UMR 5253), Department of Macromolecular Chemistry and Materials, located on the CNRS campus at 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France.
The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Camille Bakkali, Associate Researcher at CNRS, together with Léo Hervéou, a PhD student involved in the research project.
The research environment will provide exposure to academic research involving advanced polymer synthesis, organic chemistry, spectroscopy and materials characterization.
Who Can Apply?
The internship is intended for a Master 2 student seeking a research placement beginning in January 2027.
Applicants should have a strong academic background in one or both of the following areas:
- Organic synthesis
- Polymer chemistry
Previous practical laboratory experience with chemical synthesis will be particularly valued.
Experience with inert-atmosphere techniques is also considered an advantage because some of the planned synthetic work may require controlled experimental conditions.
Beyond technical qualifications, the research team is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for scientific research.
- Experimental rigor and attention to detail.
- An interest in academic research.
- Strong motivation to develop practical laboratory skills.
- The ability to work systematically on a research project.
Students with an interest in polymer materials, supramolecular chemistry, dynamic polymer networks, organic synthesis or macromolecular chemistry may find the placement particularly relevant to their academic and career goals.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should prepare an application containing:
- A current CV.
- A cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for the research internship.
- One or more letters of recommendation.
Applications should be sent directly to the research supervisors:
Dr. Camille Bakkali
Email: [email protected]
Léo Hervéou
Email: [email protected]
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate relevant laboratory experience, particularly in organic synthesis or polymer chemistry, and to explain how the research topic fits their academic interests and future research plans.
Why This Internship Is Valuable
This six-month Master 2 internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience at the intersection of organic chemistry, polymer science and advanced materials research.
The candidate will have the opportunity to work with sophisticated analytical techniques, including multinuclear NMR, mass spectrometry, size exclusion chromatography and thermal analysis. The project also provides exposure to controlled radical polymerization and research into covalent adaptable networks.
For students considering a future PhD in polymer chemistry, materials science, macromolecular chemistry or organic chemistry, the placement could provide valuable research experience and an opportunity to develop laboratory, analytical and scientific communication skills.
Application Summary
Opportunity: Master 2 Research Internship
Research topic: Synthesis of supported/multifunctional Lewis pairs as latent exchange catalysts in vitrimers
Duration: 6 months
Start date: January 2027
Location: Montpellier, France
Host: Institute Charles Gerhardt Montpellier (ICGM, UMR 5253)
Department: Macromolecular Chemistry and Materials
Project: ANR SupraCAN
Academic level: Master 2
Fields: Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry
Application materials: CV, cover letter and recommendation letter(s)
Application method: Email the research supervisors directly
Conclusion
The Master 2 internship in Montpellier offers an opportunity for an aspiring researcher to participate in cutting-edge work on vitrimers, covalent adaptable networks and latent Lewis pair catalysts.
By combining organic synthesis, controlled polymerization, advanced characterization and supramolecular chemistry, the project provides broad research exposure for students interested in developing next-generation recyclable and reprocessable polymer materials.
Candidates with relevant laboratory experience and a strong interest in polymer or organic chemistry are encouraged to prepare their applications and contact the research supervisors with the required documents.
