The NovAM group is looking for a PhD candidate to work on a scientific-technological project in collaboration with industry. The goal of the project is to study and develop new anticorrosive primers based on our diatomite based carrier technology. The PhD candidate will focus on improving the performance of the current concept by (i) desigining new loading and surface modification strategies and (ii) studying in detail inhibitor release and particle-coating and inhibitor-metal interactions. Although application aspects will be considered to bring the technology to higher maturity levels, the project is of a fundamental scientific nature. The candidate will work with surface modification  techniques, as well as electrochemical, spectrocopic and optical advanced characterization tools amongst others. The project will be developed in close collaboration with Airbus but the work of the PhD candidate will be primarily performed at the TU Delft. The PhD candidate will join the TUDelft Graduate School to increase disciplinary competences and be trained in transferable and research skills 

We are looking for candidates with a BSc/MSc in chemistry, surface science, chemical engineering, materials science or alike. The candidate should preferably have experience with particle surface modification with wet and/or gas-phase chemistry, a scientific mindset, team spirit and a clear motivation to go beyond the initial ideas and goals. Knowdledge about organic coatings and corrosion will be beneficial but not requisites. As our laboratory is truly international, the candidate should be proficient in English, both spoken and written, and demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. You will have 232 hours of paid leave each year and in addition to your salary, at TU Delft you will receive an annual holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of your salary. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering is one of the largest of the eight faculties at TU Delft and possibly the largest faculty entirely devoted to aerospace engineering and science in Europe. It is consistently one of the highest ranked faculties of its kind in the world. Through the years, the Faculty has responded to the increasing demands of the aerospace industry and related sciences by further expanding its facilities and laboratories. The Faculty is divided in four departments including Aerospace Structures and Materials (ASM) which hosts the Novel Aerospace Materials group (NovAM) and is responsible for the mechanical, materials characterization and chemical labs. NovAM is a social, trully international and multidisciplinary materials science group devoted to perform high-risk and disruptive research on novel material concepts that have the potential to revolutionize the aerospace sector in the mid and long term. In our research we explore unconventional approaches, focus on fundamental concepts but also develop successful ideas to a level suitable for absorption by the industry. The current areas of research are focused on thermodynamic design of novel alloys, novel polymers, self healing materials, sensor materials, and coatings.