Research challenge
Plastics have their drawbacks: their production consumes energy and leads to greenhouse gas emissions; they are made from non-sustainable materials; they do not decompose; and less than 10% are recycled. Much progress has been made in making plastics more sustainable for larger applications. However, thin films, such as those used in coatings and inks, are lagging behind. The SusInkCoat project is changing that. Researchers are developing new materials, processes and applications to improve the durability, functionality and recyclability of coatings, thin films and inks. In addition, the consortium is training a new generation of chemical developers for whom sustainability and circularity are core values.

The task of Stimuli-responsive Materials and Devices (SFD) research group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) (https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/stimuli-responsive-functional-materials-devices/) is to develop innovative and sustainable surfactants that can switch surface tension by utilizing photo-responsive groups in waterborne and solvent-free UV curable coatings.

Partnership
The PhD project will be executed within the SusInkCoat project. The following universities and companies are part of this project: NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Polymer Technology Netherlands, University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology, Maastricht University, University of Twente, Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings B.V., Canon Production Printing B.V., Evonik, GFB Europe B.V., Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven - PTG/e B.V., RUG Ventures.

• We are looking for a candidate with a MSc degree in organic chemistry or polymer chemistry and a scientific attitude. Candidates with a MSc degrees in coatings technology or a related field are also welcome to apply but should have a proven strong affinity with synthetic chemistry.
• The candidate should have excellent experimental and theoretical skills.
• Promotor: Prof. dr. Albert Schenning, Eindhoven University of Technology

For more information, please contact prof.dr. Albert Schenning (a.p.h.j.schenning@tue.nl)

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 and be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together. 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 P (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.