Postdoc on Synthesis of novel high-performance polymers

Job description

Polymers appear in an astonishing variety of forms and play a vital role in many industries. Although there are already many different polymeric materials available, further improvement of the properties as well as development of new functional polymeric materials will make it suitable to an increased number of applications. In this project, the focus of the research will be on the design, synthesis and characterization of novel high performance polymeric materials and their potential applications, for example in various gas/vapor separations. Special attention will be paid to the relationship between the end-performance and chemical structure of the precursors and the corresponding synthetic procedures. The research effort will be directed towards the synthesis of macromolecular structures with tailored characteristics, molecular weights, compositions, and architectures. Various synthetic methods will be used for the preparation of polymers, such as polycondensations, polyadditions and free-radical polymerizations. The research activities will include understanding of performance profile of new materials and elucidation of structure property relationships by means of various chemical, structural, rheological, mechanical and surface characterization techniques.

The PD research will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. Željko Tomović in the Polymer Performance Materials group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the TU/e, which is also the part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), in which all polymer-related research groups at the TU/e participate. A description of the group can be found here: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/polymer-performance-materials.

The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

Job requirements

• We seek highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with an PhD degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or a related discipline.
• The successful candidate has a solid background in polymer and organic chemistry.
• Experience with the synthesis and characterization of polymers or organic molecules is essential. 
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.
• Excellent communication (oral and writing) skills in English (prerequisite).
• You are a naturally curious person, eager to learn more and with a strong interest in science and research.
• You should have a scientific attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest for application-oriented research.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

Interviews, a scientific presentation and a small writing assignment will be part of the selection procedure.

Conditions of employment

• We offer challenging jobs in a highly motivated international teams at a dynamic and ambitious university. You will work with innovative analytic equipment, and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together.
• A full-time employment for 18 months.
• The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
For more detailed information about this position, please contact Prof. Željko Tomović (z.tomovic@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR-adviseur Linda van den Boomen l.j.c.v.d.boomen@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

More information about Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the department of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry is available at www.tue.nl.

Applications

Please send your application via the apply-now button and upload

• Cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and motivation for this position.
• Curriculum vitae including a publication list and the contact details of three references.
• List of BSc and MSc courses and grades.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

You can upload a maximum of 5 documents of up to 2MB each. Only applications that are submitted in this way are taken into account.