Job description
Join us – we look forward to welcome you to our Self-Organizing Soft Matter Research Group at Eindhoven University of Technology!
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a passion for polymer chemistry, self-assembly, and characterization of functional materials to join our team to design, prepare and study macromolecular ice-binders varying in shape, size, and surface chemistry. The goal of your project is to identify the guiding principles to develop macromolecular ice-binders with customized activity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct high quality, curiosity-driven, original and independent research focusing on the design, synthesis and characterization of macromolecular ice-binders with a tailored ability to promote ice nucleation and inhibit ice recrystallization
- Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers
- Present research findings at conferences and publish in top-tier scientific journals
- Mentor and support junior researchers in the lab
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is one of Europe’s leading research universities.
The Eindhoven area, in the southern part of the Netherlands, is one of Europe’s top ‘innovation ecosystems’, with many high-tech companies and institutes. TU/e is intertwined with many of these companies and institutes, and research at TU/e is characterized by a combination of academic excellence, industrial relevance and societal interweaving.
Eindhoven University of Technology is a community of scientists, supporting staff, students and partners. People are the heart and soul of TU/e, so it is of great importance to safeguard the distinctive Eindhoven atmosphere, creating a personal, welcoming and vibrant environment that enables individuals and groups to grow professionally and personally.
The department Chemical Engineering and Chemistry is one of the nine departments of Eindhoven University of Technology. It was established in 1957, shortly after the university was founded. The department is located in the Helix and Matrix buildings on the TU/e campus. The candidate will closely collaborate with researchers within the departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics, and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, all of which are located on the TU/e campus at walking distance.
Job Description
Biocompatible ice-binders, such as antifreeze proteins, could be of great value for healthcare, agrifood, transportation, materials science, and construction. But, despite widespread interest and high activity, the potential of antifreeze proteins remains underexploited due to limited availability, low stability and high cost. Macromolecular ice-binders are appealing synthetic analogues with excellent performance, which can be prepared in a scalable manner at low cost. In this project, you will design, prepare and study macromolecular ice-binders aiming to elucidate structure-activity relations to customize their activity to promote ice nucleation and inhibit ice recrystallization. You will investigate how macromolecular structure, association and adsorption impact activity. In this exciting role, you will be working in a vibrant and international research group aiming to advance molecular insight into the working mechanism of natural and man-made ice-binders and to reverse engineer novel materials tailored to block ice growth, slow down ice recrystallization, and/or promote ice nucleation as desired.
Job requirements
- PhD in Polymer Science, Soft Matter, Nanoscience, (Physical) Chemistry, Materials Science, Molecular (Life) Sciences, or related area, obtained within the last four years
- Passionate about polymer science interfacing with biology and biomedicine, (biological) soft matter
- Strong qualifications and expertise in polymer synthesis, self-assembly, characterization of polymer micelles and particles, and relevant experimental techniques such as light scattering, small angle X-ray scattering, and/or cryogenic electron microscopy
- Familiarity with crystallisation-driven assembly, PISA, water-soluble block copolymers, surface functionalization
- Ability to conduct high quality academic research, demonstrated by an outstanding PhD thesis, publications in reputable scientific journals and presentations at international meetings
- Strong motivation to do excellent, original, fundamental research.
- Proficiency in the English language, excellent written and oral communication and leadership skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.
- Independent and goal-oriented scientist. Team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international context.
Conditions of employment
- A dynamic and stimulating research environment
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
- Collaborative opportunities with leading experts in the field
- A full-time employment for 1 year initially with possibility to extend by two years.
- Free access to opportunities for professional growth and career development through training programs for research, valorization and professional development
- A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
- Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.
Information and application
More information
For further information on this vacancy please contact prof.dr.ir. Ilja Voets, i.voets[at]tue.nl
or +31 40 247 5303.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Leo van Houten, l.v.houten[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 8269.
Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!
Application
Join our team and take the next step in your research career. If you have a passion for innovation and a drive to push the boundaries of science, we would love to hear from you. Please submit a complete application by using the ‘apply now’-button on this page. The application should include a:
- Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
- A letter of recommendation from one or more of your references.
- List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.
Screening of applications will continue until the position has been filled.
Screening of applications will continue until the position has been filled.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on pioneering research in the field of macromolecular ice-binders!