Elevate your career in polymer research at TU/e! Join Prof. Željko Tomović's team to pioneer novel polyols for high-performance PU materials. Dive into a multidisciplinary approach, unraveling structure-property relationships. Be part of cutting-edge research at the forefront of polymer innovation. Embrace a hands-on, ambitious academic environment that sets the standard for international research excellence.

Job Description

Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most versatile polymers, that appears in an astonishing variety of forms and play a vital role in many industries. Although there are already many different PU materials available, further improvement of the properties as well as development of new functional PU 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 polyols for high performance PU materials. 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 and mechanical characterization techniques.

The PhD 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.

• We seek highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with an MSc degree in polymer chemistry, organic 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.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.

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

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale PhD (min. € 2.770 max. € 3.539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.