The University of Camerino invites expressions of interest from postdoctoral researchers interested in applying for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in the field of sustainable materials, mineralogy and circular economy.

This research opportunity is hosted by Prof. Eleonora Paris at the School of Science and Technology and focuses on the development of new environmentally friendly materials obtained from construction and industrial waste, within a framework of resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Supervisor 

Prof. Eleonora Paris is Full Professor of Mineralogy at the University of Camerino. Her research activity spans mineralogy, geochemistry, high temperature experimental techniques and geomaterials, with a strong focus on the synthesis and characterization of new materials derived from waste and on circular economy approaches.

She has extensive experience in international research collaborations, synchrotron-based experiments and interdisciplinary projects related to sustainability and innovative materials for industrial applications.

Research Group and Facilities

The research is carried out in a well-equipped experimental environment that supports advanced investigation of geomaterials and waste-derived materials.

Available facilities include high-pressure and high-temperature experimental laboratories, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence instrumentation, spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR and Raman, electron microscopy, and laboratories for physical and mechanical characterization.

The group operates within an active national and international network, collaborating with universities, research centres and industrial partners, and offering a research environment that integrates experimental work with real-world applications in the field of sustainable materials.

Research Topic and Project Idea

The project, titled “New Materials from Industrial Waste”, aims to develop innovative materials for the construction sector through the reuse and transformation of different waste streams. These include construction and demolition waste, industrial residues such as sludges and cutting materials, and incineration by-products such as bottom and fly ash.

The research explores the use of alternative binders, such as geopolymers and inorganic matrices, to replace traditional cement or resin-based systems. The objective is to produce new materials, including construction blocks, tiles and insulating panels, capable of incorporating significant amounts of recycled waste while maintaining or exceeding the performance of existing commercial products.

A key aspect of the project is the investigation of the behaviour of hazardous components within waste materials, with particular attention to the distribution of heavy metals and their stability during thermal processes such as vitrification. This will allow the evaluation of safe reuse strategies and the development of materials that prevent the release of pollutants.

The project contributes to European priorities on waste reduction, resource efficiency and circular economy, and aims to support the transition toward more sustainable construction practices and the development of new value chains based on waste upcycling.

Candidate Profile and Career Development

The position is suited for candidates with a background in geosciences, mineralogy, geochemistry or materials science, with an interest in sustainability and waste valorisation.

During the fellowship, the researcher will develop competences in the analysis of geomaterials and industrial waste, synthesis of new materials, and characterization of products such as glasses, ceramics and geopolymers. The project also offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of analytical techniques and to engage with industrial partners, gaining experience in applied research and technology transfer.

How to Apply

Researchers interested in this topic are invited to contact the supervisor to discuss the development of a competitive MSCA proposal.

Further information on eligibility criteria, application timeline and institutional support is available on the UNICAM MSCA 2026 page.

Apply now

Apply now at Unicam for your MSCA Fellowhip.  
If you need further information please contact the supervisor Prof. Eleonora Paris - eleonora.paris@unicam.it