The PhD position is part of the multinational project ‘GraSage’ uniting research institutes from Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. The scope of research work of this PhD position will be data analysis and modelling, i.e. the utilization of neuronal nets and fuzzy logics to point out correlations between the compound and fibre preparation process, the used materials (polymers, graphene) and the resulting compound and fibre properties. Eventually, a mathematical model describing the dependency of the thermal and electrical properties on the aspect ratio of the utilized graphene flakes, their mass concentration in the polymer as well as the applied fibre processing parameters, will be elaborated.

The GraSage project is officially associated with the Graphene FLAGSHIP, a ten-year European re-search project assembling 150 partners from academia and industry with an overall funding volume of 1 billion Euro. Regular contributions to the FLAGSHIP activities will be highly esteemed by the FLAGSHIP representatives, e.g. the annually held Graphene Week and the Graphene Study, which connects PhD students from all countries of Europe.

The main goal of the GraSage project is to comprehend the influence of graphene on the mechanical and electrical properties of polymer compounds and polymeric fibres. Therefore, a multi-column approach is pursued: In a first step, commercially available graphene grades are analysed with respect to their structural properties and micro-scale simulations of the interaction between graphene and polymer materials are simultaneously undertaken. Polymer compound materials including several mass concentrations of graphene are fabricated and melt-spun into multifilament yarns within a DOE setup. Subsequently, the resulting compounds and fibres are analysed via different experimental methods, among others thermal, optical and structural measurement techniques. Thermal and electrical conductivity measurements are carried out too. Correlations between the graphene specifications, the applied compound and fibre manufacturing parameters as well as the resulting properties are determined via artificial intelligence methods in the form of neuronal nets and fuzzy logics’ systems.

The successful candidate will held a diploma/master’s degree in analytical sciences, physics, computer sciences or a related field. Furthermore, the successful candidate possesses strong analytical skills and a high aptitude for determination of correlations between materials, processes and measured material properties. Experience in use of neuronal nets, fuzzy logics and analytical software like Matlab and Origin is preferred. Sufficient proficiency in English language (at least B2 level) is mandatory whilst knowledge in Dutch and/or German are considered as additional benefits.

The PhD student is showcasing a distinct interest in interdisciplinary research with shares of physics, chemistry and plastics processing. Furthermore, the successful candidate is capable to work in a multidisciplinary team and has a good set of organizational skills. He or she is willing to supervise student papers during their undergraduate and graduate studies at Maastricht University and to contribute to the teaching goals of Maastricht University.

Fixed-term contract: 1+ 3 years after receiving a positive evaluation.

• The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO), supplement with local UM provisions. For more information on terms of employment, please visit our website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees;

• The PhD appointment lasts four years (frist year + three years after receiving a positive evaluation). Monthly salary is € 2.325,- gross/ month in year 1 up to € 2.972,- in year 4;

• We offer an attractive package of fringe benefits such as, reduction on collective health insurance, substantial leave arrangements, parental leave packages, attractive retirement benefits and application for attractive fiscal arrangements for employees from abroad;

• We offer you a stimulating working environment with excellent facilities for professional and personal development;

• Our international network has researchers coming from a variety of disciplines, but we are an academic community linked by a biobased materials value chain approach. We provide you with a collaborative, entrepreneurial research environment with innovative and cross-disciplinary research;

• The position is embedded in a lively and creative working environment at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,300 students and 4,300 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

AMIBM

Maastricht University and RWTH Aachen University have established a European cross-border research institute focusing on the development of advanced biobased materials. The Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM) is located on the Brightlands-Chemelot Campus in the Netherlands, Province of Limburg, and strives for excellence in applied and translational research by creating synergies between academia and industry.

https://fhs.maastrichtuniversity.nl/AMIBM/