PhD position in the Department of Molecules and Materials on the Synthesis of Sustainable and Reversible Polymer Coatings (Part of the SusInkCoat initiative)

Job description

The SusInkCoat project, a collaborative effort between public and private partners, is tackling the environmental challenges posed by traditional plastics in coatings and inks. Recognizing the progress made in sustainable plastics for larger applications, SusInkCoat aims to bridge the gap for thin films by developing innovative, eco-friendly polymers and additives. These materials will be "switchable and adaptive," offering enhanced performance and a reduced environmental footprint.  The project focuses on improving the entire lifecycle of these materials, from durability and functionality to recyclability.  Furthermore, SusInkCoat is committed to training a new generation of chemical developers who prioritize sustainability and circularity as core values. This comprehensive approach addresses the key drawbacks of conventional plastics: high-energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during production, reliance on non-sustainable materials, poor decomposition, and low recycling rates. (https://www.nwo.nl/en/researchprogrammes/perspectief/perspectief-grants/sustainable-inks-and-coatings-developing-switchable-and-adaptive-functional-polymers-and-additives-for-low-environmental-footprint-susinkcoat)

Join a cutting-edge research project at the University of Twente and help revolutionize sustainable coatings!

As a PhD student within the SusInkCoat consortium, you'll be at the forefront of developing adaptive coatings with a low environmental footprint.  You'll leverage your expertise in organic and polymer chemistry to synthesize innovative polymers with switchable molecular functions, enabling the recyclability of these coatings.  This involves introducing dynamic bonds and studying their behavior to optimize coating properties.

What sets this opportunity apart:

Real-world impact: Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners, upscaling your synthesized materials for real-world testing and fine-tuning your work based on industry feedback. World-class facilities: Conduct your research at the University of Twente, a vibrant campus in the east of the Netherlands equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Expert guidance: Work alongside renowned experts Prof.dr. Frederik Wurm and Prof.dr. Christian Nijhuis in the Sustainable Polymer Chemistry and Hybrid Materials for Opto-electronics group within the Department of Molecules and Materials.

This is your chance to contribute to a more sustainable future while advancing your research career at a leading European university.

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable materials!

Your profile

• You have BSc. or MSc. in Chemistry and proven experimental skill in Organic Chemistry (applicants with polymer engineering background will not be considered!).
• You have knowledge and interest in sustainable solutions for polymers (synthesis, biopolymers, biodegradation, etc.).
• You have theoretical background and practical knowledge about technology of coatings
• You display a strong passion to science and exceptional motivation as a researcher.
• You like dealing with new concepts and doing original research but you are of critical approach to evaluating experimental findings.
• You are fluent in English.
• You are a team player.

Our offer

• Appointment for 4 years as a PhD researcher.
• Salary ranging from € 2.872,- gross per month in the first year to € 3.670,- gross per month in the 4th year of your PhD appointment.
• Professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente.
• Terms of employment in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO).
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Pension as part of the solid Dutch scheme (ABP).
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• Access to the state-of-art research facilities.
• Large campus with numerous options for free-of-charge recreational and sport activities.
• Possibilities to cooperate with nearby high-tech companies and institutions on both sides of national borders.
• Support for re-housing and immigration issues.
• An inspiring scientific environment with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization and boundaryless collaboration is an important part of the strategic agenda.

Information and application

Are you interested? Send your application before November 30, 2024 via the provided button and should include:

• Personal motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation.
• A detailed CV.
• One reference from your former supervisor (written recommendation) with contact details.
• Academic transcript of BSc. and MSc. education.

An interview and a scientific presentation will be a part of the selection procedure. Applications submitted by means other than the indicated here will not be considered. We reserve the right to speak only to selected candidates.

For more information or questions about the position, please contact Prof.dr. Christan Nijhuis of Prof.dr. Frederik Wurm via:  https://www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/mm/

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.