This postdoctoral research aims at exploring dynamic covalent bonds that enable vitrimeric property for sustainable epoxy resin to be elucidated for aerospace composite structures. Alternatively, research on degradable bonds can be considered which potentially grants recylability options. Sustainable resin formulation development and characterization constitute prime importance, and extension towards composite manufacturing is welcomed. Scalability is vital to address the sustainability challenges the aerospace industry is facing, as will be addressed by NXTGEN HIGHTECH Composiet 1 consortium. The candidate is expected to explore sustainable epoxy resin formulations with dynamic/on-demand degradable bonds, analyze thermomechanical properties and justify the use for composite manufacturing. The candidate will be working in the NXTGEN HIGHTECH project including a team of scientists, engineers and industry specialists; therefore, interaction with different stakeholders is important. The postdoc will be rewarded with significant independence, and is expected to help supervision of PhD and MSc students working on parallel topics. Additional details will be provided during the interview.

NXTGEN HIGHTECH is a Dutch Grooiefond project funded by Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.This project contributes activities to the NXTGEN HIGHTECH Composiet 01 project on composite manufacturing by considering sustainability, repairability and recyclability of composite structures.

You must have the following qualifications:

• Experience in chemistry lab, chemical synthesis and chemical safety concepts;
• Strong background in thermosetting resins, vitrimers, composites or related field;
• Degree in chemistry, materials science, manufacturing engineering or a related area is a plus;
• Affinity to epoxy resins and resin formulation are plus;
• Fluency in English and proven academic writing skills;
• Interest in sustainability practices (of chemistry and composites);
• Background on characterization methods (hands-on measurement and evaluating data) such as rheometer, DMA, mechanical test, DSC;
• The ability to work well in a collaborative setting on a large project.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (based on scale 10: €3,226.00 - €5,090.00). The employment contract is for 2 years and the position is for 38-40 hours per week. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.