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

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!

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

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/

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.

Full Professor

Full Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Frederik for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Phone:+31534894196

Email:[email protected]

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

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At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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