Our earth has been dynamic since its origin. Driven by solar and inner heat the stability of “system earth” relies on delicate interactions, like chemical reactions and equilibria involving for example carbon, which are challenged to date. Parallel to initiatives by the energy sector reducing carbon emissions and dependence, our group focuses on closing carbon cycles of polymeric materials timely, and in a green/sustainable way. In this project, we will use a variation of spectroscopy techniques using light and/or oscillatory mechanical input to value the physio-chemical behaviour of semi-aromatic building blocks derived from local crop waste in:
synthesis of Liquid Crystalline Polymers (LCP), structure formation of melt (re)processed LCP reinforced polyester composites, and function.
As a Post Doc it will be your task to elucidate the effect of monomer composition on the configurational and conformational rigidity on melt-reprocessability and fiber reinforcement. Careful selection of monomers and polymerization strategies provide control over the design of physico-chemical response in (biobased) polyester melts that are trivial to the ultimate performance. The methodological approach in molecular design matches the aim of the research group to position biobased, potentially circular, polymeric materials among the existing construction materials, here fiber reinforced thermoplastics.
You will be appointed at the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials of Maastricht University (UM), which is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, for a period of 3 years. You will work in the Macromolecular Physics and Technology group of Principle Investigator (PI) Dr. Jules Harings. While securing strong and effective collaboration with fellow scientists of the respective consortium and work package, you are encouraged to (i) cross interfaces of the AMIBM and UM research groups, (ii) take responsibility and authorship on the progress of the project, (iii) assist the PI in managing research and educational group activities and (iv) develop your personal research line complementary to the PI’s expertise potentially converting into a long-term appointment. The primary location is the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, the Netherlands.
Fixed-term contract: 1 + 2 years.
As a Postdoc at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university of the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:
The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, Click here
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.
In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.
With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.
Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.
Click here for more information about UM.
At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, the future of agriculture, digitalization, and (scientific) instrument development.
FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, undoubtedly capture everyone's attention.
The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).
At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3150 students come together to work on exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programs. You are welcome to join our team and put your brilliant mind to work!
FSE at the Brightlands Campuses
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, home to four creative Brightlands campuses, are vibrant locations where 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students enthusiastically collaborate on solutions for global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and it is where we have the most impact. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen hosts one of Europe's largest chemistry and materials sites, while Venlo is a major hub for agro-food innovation. Maastricht is the location of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for smart services.
AMIBM
The Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM) is a department of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) at Maastricht University, located on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen. AMIBM is a European cross-border research institute established by Maastricht University and RWTH Aachen University (Germany), focusing on developing advanced biobased materials. The mission of AMIBM is “ground-breaking conversion of biomass to biobased materials and into product applications”. AMIBM promotes excellent multidisciplinary research in the field of biobased materials, by training Ph.D. students with the multiple skills needed to be future leaders in the field, and creating the research breakthroughs that will enable the utilization of sustainable and renewable materials for advanced materials applications. The multidisciplinary team draws together scientists with expertise in molecular and applied biotechnology, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, polymer engineering, biomedical materials, and sustainability assessment.
AMIBM is embedded in a lively, entrepreneurial, and creative working environment at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen (the Netherlands), one of the largest chemical and materials communities in Europe.
More information: www.amibm.org.
Research group Sustainability of Chemicals and Materials.
The mission of the research team is to provide suitable instruments and sustainability impact assessments to guide the transition from a fossil-based and linear economy to a biobased and circular economy.
We are a young and growing international team of sustainability experts focusing on environmental impact assessment in connection with economic and social impacts.
For further information about this Post Doc position you can contact Dr. Jules Harings, Associate Professor and PI Macromolecular Physics and Technology (jules.harings@maastrichtuniversity.nl).
RecruitmentFSE@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Don't forget to mention AcademicTransfer and the job number: AT2023.326 in your letter.
To apply, please submit:
We will recruit until the position is filled. The selection process commences immediately, but will close when a suitable candidate has been found, even if this prior to the final date of the application window.
Send your application, stating the vacancy number AT2023.326 by email to:
RecruitmentFSE@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
Please note, the system cannot upload the following attachments (xyz.zip .htm .html).
To apply, please submit:
We will recruit until the position is filled. The selection process commences immediately, but will close when a suitable candidate has been found, even if this prior to the final date of the application window.
Send your application, stating the vacancy number AT2023.326 by email to:
RecruitmentFSE@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
Please note, the system cannot upload the following attachments (xyz.zip .htm .html).
Make sure to apply no later than 30 Sep 2023 23:58 (Europe/Amsterdam).
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