The NovAM group is looking for a PhD candidate to study the effect of polymer chemical topology of coatings on ice growth and ice adhesion. 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 on polymer synthesis with initial focus on block copolymers and liquid crystals as well as advanced (polymer) characterization. You can therefore expect your work to be a good combination between polymer science and physical characterization of environmental-conditions dependent surface dynamic processes.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a BSc/MSc in polymer science or/and biopolymer chemistry or Bionanotechnology with interest in applied polymer science and surface science.

The candidate should have experience with polymer synthesis and structure-property relationships, preferably related to coatings or thin films, copolymers and/or liquid crystals. A scientific mindset, team spirit and a clear motivation to go beyond the initially proposed ideas and goals is required. Prior experience on icing research and experience with advanced physical characterization of surfaces and interfaces will be an asset. The candidate should be proficient in English, both spoken and written, and demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

The candidate will participate as an early-stage researcher (ESR) to the Marie Skłodowska - Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) project: “Smart surface design for efficient ice protection and control” (SURFICE). A project under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme

The project will be carried out at the Novel Aerospace Materials group of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the Delft University of Technology under the supervision of associate professor Santiago Garcia. Secondments of 3-6 month at different MSCA-ITN partner institutions will be part of the project.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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 manufacturing and testing labs and the materials synthesis and characterization labs. NovAM is a social, truly 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, functional coatings and space materials.

The ESR will be matriculated at the PhD Graduate School of the TU Delft (https://www.tudelft.nl/lr/onderzoek/graduate-school-of-ae/) to increase disciplinary competences and to be trained in transferable and research skills. Other topic-related courses at the TU Delft or somewhere else will be offered.

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