The expertise of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory on Sustainable Engineering and Ecodesign (LIRIDE) focuses on life cycle impact assessment. Internationally recognized for its scientific research, LIRIDE supports industry, SMEs, and organizations in their commitment to true sustainable development supported by life cycle assessment and the circular economy. Located at the University of Sherbrooke (Canada), LIRIDE is seeking applications for the following position.
About the role
Project title: Development of method for scale-up LCI of bio-sourced epoxies in advanced microelectronics packaging.
​
This PhD project is part of a larger consortium initiative covering the full bio-sourced epoxy value chain. It spans from forestry-derived raw materials to epoxy production, application in commercial products, and end-of-life treatment. Nine industry and public-sector partners working on this value chain are actively involved. The initiative aims to train highly qualified personnel (HQP), from college students to research associates. Training is provided by a multidisciplinary team of ten faculty members, scientists, and professionals. LIRIDE will provide expertise on the life cycle environmental benefits of bio-based epoxy innovative solutions.
This project focuses on the early-stage eco-design of bio-sourced epoxies for advanced packaging applications (e.g., flip-chip, die-attach) using a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. It addresses a key challenge: translating laboratory-scale data into meaningful insights for industrial-scale environmental performance. A methodological framework will be developed to construct theoretical life cycle inventories (LCIs), combining experimental results with industrial analogues. This approach enables forward-looking environmental screening during the design phase, an opportunity often missed in conventional LCA studies. The prospective LCA will help identify major impact drivers (e.g., levulinic acid synthesis, energy-intensive subprocesses) and guide R&D efforts toward more sustainable development pathways. The project supports the integration of environmental criteria in early R&D stages, promoting informed decision-making for low-impact material innovation.
Qualifications
Your qualifications should include:
-
A master's level university degree in civil, chemical, mechanical or environmental engineering, or similar studies with excellent grades.
-
A strong interest in modelling and in programming (ex. Python) would be an important advantage.
​
Your admission will be subject to the standard rules of the University of Sherbrooke (funding assured for the entire duration of the PhD project). The project will start as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement.
You are expected to contribute to teaching and research activities of the laboratory up to a maximum of 20% of your working time.
Daily work
The work will be carried out within an interdisciplinary team of LIRIDE, in close collaboration with the various stakeholders in the initiative. The team will consist of two PhD students and researchers. In addition, an integral part of your work is to publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international conferences.
Admission
We look forward to receiving your online application including:
Resume
Credentials
Cover letter
Two references
We will begin interviewing candidates as soon as a sufficient number of applications are received.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.