Hosting Offer at Materials Science and Nano Engineering Program -MSCA-PF 2026

The Materials Science and Nano Engineering Program at Sabanci University invites outstanding postdoctoral researchers to apply for the MSCA PF 2026 call. The host group welcomes researchers interested in advanced polymeric materials, sustainable polymers, polymer recycling and upcycling, bio-based materials, polymer processing, and structure-property relationships.

HOST INSTITUTION

Sabanci University

On a national level, SU has been one of the most successful universities in Turkiye in terms of the number of EU Framework Programmes funded projects per faculty member. The Sabanci University Research and Technology Transfer Office (SUATT) is well-structured to manage 262 active projects simultaneously, with approximately 57% of the total budget allocated to EU projects.

Research Profile and Environment

Research activities led by Prof. Yusuf Z. Menceloglu (https://people.sabanciuniv.edu/yusufm/index.html) focus on advanced polymeric materials and sustainable material systems. The group combines fundamental materials research with applied and industrially relevant development, particularly in polymer science, polymer chemistry, plastics recycling, sustainable materials, and advanced processing technologies.

• Sustainable and biodegradable polymers

• Bio-based monomers, polymers, and polymer composites

• Plastics recycling, upcycling, and circular materials design

• Processing-structure-property relationships in polymer systems

• Morphology control, interfacial engineering, and compatibilization strategies

• Functional materials for automotive, biomedical, packaging, and

• environmental applications

• Polymer processing routes including kinetic mixing, extrusion, compounding, injection molding, and additive manufacturing

• Thermal, rheological, mechanical, morphological, and physicochemical characterization of polymer systems

Applicants are encouraged to propose original research projects aligned with the host group's expertise.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

Applicants should have a strong background in polymer science, materials science and engineering, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an asset:

• Polymer synthesis, modification, processing, or characterization

• Sustainable materials, recycling, upcycling, or circular economy research

• Bio-based or biodegradable polymers

• Polymer composites, blends, compatibilization, and interfacial engineering

• Thermal, rheological, mechanical, spectroscopic, or morphological characterization

Candidates are expected to demonstrate scientific independence, motivation to develop an innovative MSCA proposal, strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Eligibility

Researchers of any nationality may apply, provided they hold a doctoral degree by the relevant MSCA deadline and comply with the MSCA mobility rule. In general, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Turkiye for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline (09 Sept 2026).

Applicants are responsible for checking the official MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call conditions and confirming their eligibility before submission. Official MSCA information is available at: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest by e-mail to burcu.simsek@sabanciuniv.edu. The e-mail subject should be:

Expression of Interest - MSCA PF 2026 – MAT.YZM - [Candidate Name]

The expression of interest should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. A brief outline of the proposed research project with defined objectives (maximum 2 pages)

3. Motivation letter

Support Offered by the Host Institution

• Proposal review support by the Engineering and Natural Sciences Project Office

• Administrative and project management support during implementation

• Access to relevant laboratories, research facilities, databases, software, and university infrastructure

• Interdisciplinary research environment and integration into the host research group

• Support for scientific networking, dissemination, communication, and career development activities

• Access to Sabanci University facilities, including the Information Center, Sports Center, and relevant research centers