Job Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) - Assistant Professor In-situ and 3D-characterization of multi-materials

Within the Laboratory of Materials and Interface Chemistry at TU/e an assistant professorship (m/v) vacancy is available. The focus of research of the laboratory is on interfaces in multi-materials (our motto is: 'where materials meet') and one of the topics is electrically conductive (nano-) composites and coatings. Although a great deal of research has been conducted on this topic, still a large number of scientifically as well as industrially important questions remain. These questions are largely connected to the microstructure and morphology of the composite materials and in particular to the interfaces between the various components and the particle network in the matrix. The working area of the vacancy focuses on (nano-) composites and their in-situ and 3D-characterisation characterization. Initially the research will target electrically conductive (nano-)composites but in a later stage extension to other topics within the (nano-)composites field will be considered. The experimental technique to be used mainly is AFM in various forms but the work will be conducted in close co-operation with on-going (cryo-)TEM research.

The Laboratory of Materials and Interface Chemistry at TU/e focuses on research of interfaces in multi-materials, in other words on 'where materials meet'. More in particular, the focus is on multi-materials where at least one of the materials is an organic polymer. Important characterization techniques to study these interfaces are AFM and (cryo-)TEM. The laboratory has an extensive infrastructure for both. While TEM characterisation on the nm scale throughout the volume is possible using tomography, this technique generally suffers from limited probing volumes although recent developments in STEM have increased the accessible volume. AFM can probe much larger areas but suffers from the availability of information on the surface only albeit with sufficiently smooth surfaces at nm (or better) resolution. In particular for (nano-)composite materials, though, characterisation throughout the volume is required and for this, e.g. microtoming can be employed. However, this technique as well as other cutting techniques introduces generally considerable roughness limiting the AFM resolution.

The infrastructure of the Laboratory contains sophisticated TEM and SPM equipment. For the TEM we refer to the website of the Soft Matter TEM Research group. With respect SPM the infrastructure contains several AFM's and a sophisticated TERS equipment. So far we have a co-operation with the companies FEI and NT-MDT implying that maintenance, exchange of parts and of ideas is relatively easy. 

The Laboratory has extensively researched electrically conducting nano-composite coatings in the last few years. Several PhD students received their degree on this topic. For the relevant literature we refer to the website of the Laboratory. Although a great deal of research has been conducted on this topic, still a large number of scientifically as well as industrially important questions remain. These questions are largely connected to the microstructure and morphology of the composite materials and in particular to the interfaces between the various components and the particle network in the matrix. The working area of the vacancy focuses initially on these electrically conductive (nano-) composites and their in-situ and 3D-characterisation characterization but in a later stage extension to other materials will be considered. The work will conducted in close co-peration with on-going (cryo-)TEM research. 

It is the intention to realize a research environment in which TEM, AFM and FIB/E-SEM contribute to the elucidation of the 3-D structure of nano-composites at various length scales. While for the TEM and FIB/E-SEM the required staff is present, the vacancy exits in the area of SPM. Summarising, the candidate will focus on the in-situ and 3D characteristaion of nano-composite materials and coatings in conjunctyion with the other researchers in the laboratory.  It is expected that she/he will actively pursue granting of projects. In this framework she/he, after some time, will be responsible for the daily coaching of several PhD students and the administering of the SPM infrastructure. Moreover, we expect a contribution to the regular educational tasks, e.g. lectures and/or practical courses and the coaching of master students. In the long run she/he may develop to the contact person for SPM, not only for the Laboratory but also the Department.

Candidates with a background in AFM techniques and/or nano-composite materials are explicitly invited to apply. The working environment in the Laboratory is rather multi-facial. As indicated, the research focuses on multi-material but also the researchers originate from many countries so that the Laboratory is multi-lingual (although daily conversations are generally in English) and multi-cultural (the majority of the PhD students and PD researchers originate from outside the Netherlands). 

Eligible applicants should have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science and preferably post doctorate research experience in a relevant field related to the position.

Base salaries are in the range of €44,500 - €70,000 gross per annum with attractive benefits.
Substantial tax benefits apply to non-Dutch citizens on condition that permission is granted by the Dutch Tax Office.

We offer a customized tenure track position related to experience and knowledge and thereafter the possibility to obtain a permanent position.

For further information with respect to the position: prof. dr. G. de With, tel: 0031 40 2474947.

For further information with respect to legal and labour matters: drs. C. Kuiters, tel: 0031 40 2475725.

Suitable candidates are invited to apply for this position by using the 'apply now'-button at the bottom of this page.