The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.
The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine. Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens, in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.
The University of Luxembourg invites applications for the following vacancy in the Experimental Soft Matter Physics (ESMP) group in the frame of a market-oriented Proof-of-Concept research project, funded by the European Commission (ERC-PoC) and starting 01.09.2022. The project aims to bring an exciting recent materials physics innovation that enables non-electronic colorimetric strain sensors to market in the fields of wearable technology and structural health monitoring, respectively. In collaboration with post-docs with expertise in the physics and chemistry at the heart of the new sensor, and under the leadership of Prof. Jan Lagerwall (head of ESMP), the successful candidate will address technical challenges in production upscaling while also analyzing the two targeted markets with respect to product fit. The key deliverables are a business model and business plan for each target market, on the basis of which investors can be engaged to seed a spin-off company that will bring the innovative strain sensors to market.
Your Role…
As the project bridges entrepreneurship, business development, engineering and soft matter physics and chemistry, you will be working closely with the scientific members of the research group. While your responsibility is to enable the research-to-market step by (1) identifying key obstacles to upscaling production, and finding viable solutions, (2) analyzing the target markets and consequently refine the product focus and (3) develop the business model and business plan (with the support of an external consultant), you need to have sufficient interest in and openness towards physics and chemistry that you can learn and understand the fundamental working principle of the material at a level where you can work constructively with your physics and chemistry colleagues. The exceptionally interdisciplinary scope of the project renders it highly stimulating and provides a unique holistic training opportunity in fundamental science-based entrepreneurship. It also makes an openminded, curious and collaborative attitude and good communication skills an absolute requirement, since a continuous exchange of ideas, results and information between team members, and joint decision making, is vital for project success.
What we expect from you…
We are looking for an excellent candidate who possesses:
- A degree in entrepreneurship/business administration and/or M.Sc. in physics, engineering, materials science or related field
- 5+ years of relevant experience of interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and company foundation will be considered strong advantages
- Interest in learning complementary skills required to span the bridge from entrepreneurship challenges to materials engineering
- An entrepreneurial mindset and good business acumen
- Commitment and capacity for team work and critical thinking
- Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English
We offer…
18-month contract with competitive salary at an equal opportunity employer. You will be working in an exciting international setting and be a part of a committed team situated in a fast growing and dynamic research environment. Since the goal of the project is to lay the foundation of a spin-off company, success in the project has high likelihood of producing follow-up employment opportunities.
In Short…
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 18 Month
- Starting date: As soon as possible
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Location: Limpertsberg
- Job Reference: UOL05125 (DPHYMS)
How to apply…
Applications, in English and submitted online, should include:
- Curriculum Vitae (including your contact address, education, work experience, publications/portfolio)
- Cover letter indicating your interests and motivation for this position
- PDF file of your latest thesis (if applicable)
- 2-page document describing your strategy for successful entrepreneurship
- Contact information for 3 referees
We ensure a full consideration for applications received by 31 July 2022.
Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.
The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.
In return you will get…
- Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR).
- A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
- A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
Further information…
For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Jan Lagerwall (Jan.Lagerwall@uni.lu)