Project description

Do you want to work with innovative materials and coatings? And do you want to develop products that contribute to the energy transition? Then this PhD vacancy is what you are looking for!

In this PhD project you will create a smart infrared light (IR) reflector foil that can be placed on a window. IR light makes up 50% of the total sunlight energy and is a significant interior heating source of buildings. Your foil will autonomously and reversibly change between an IR  reflective and a transparent state upon heating/cooling, all the while remaining transparent to visible light. Thus, the 'smart' temperature responsive IR reflector will reject IR at higher temperatures, reducing heating of the indoor space and the load on air conditioning systems. If this can be done, it will be a major step towards the construction of energy neutral buildings.

In this multidisciplinary project you will work together with industrial partners, spin-off companies, institutes and other universities.

Candidate profile

We seek for highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with an MSc degree in polymer sciences.

The successful candidate has a solid background in polymer materials, as well as good communication skills, is fluent in English, and should have a strong motivation to do scientific research in an interdisciplinary team.

Experience with the synthesis and characterization of stimuli-responsive polymers is desirable.

An interview and a scientific presentation are part of the selection process.

• A meaningful job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. TU/e is one of Europe's top technological universities, situated at the heart of a most innovative high-tech region, with a wealth of collaborations with industry and academic institutes.
  A place to be for talented scientists!
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities, with a gross salary of €2.541,- in the first year until €3.247,- gross in the fourth year of the PhD;
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your 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.
• The candidate is expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis, in case of the PhD vacancy, and disseminate the results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.