PhD Student in New Vitrimers Synthesis & Characterization

14+22+12 months | Full-time/40h | Hautcharage 

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

https://www.list.lu/

You’d like to contribute as a researcher? Join our Functional Polymers research unit

The Functional Polymers (FP) unit addresses the synthesis, formulation and processing of polymers to achieve specific properties enhancements and multi-functionality through both physics-based experimental and numerical approaches, including molecular modelling. The unit pursues funding and carries out research through industrial contracts and competitive projects sponsored at the Luxembourgish and European levels and is organised into two research groups focused on 1) the realisation of sustainable polymeric materials and 2) the chemistry and physics of smart / responsive polymers.

Research challenges:

• Design of polymeric materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and (nano)composites with advanced functionality, high performance, enhanced safety and sustainability in mind, in service of industrial and societal needs
• Valorisation of alternative feedstocks (biomass, waste materials, etc.)
• Development of novel, safe (re)processing and advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing and 3D printing, both for efficiently producing new materials and managing end-of-life
• Generation of the fundamental understanding essential to the control of structure, viscoelastic, mechanical and tribological performance and transport behaviour of polymeric materials and composites through polymer physics, advanced characterisation and molecular modelling

 How will you contribute?

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research team in exploring the synthesis and development of vitrimers with a focus on advanced recycling and sintering applications. This project is part of an INTER-ANR project (VITRISINT) in collaboration with the laboratories CP2M, IMP and MATEIS from the University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France. The project will focus on the creation and characterization of adaptable, durable materials based on transesterification dynamic exchanges, fine-tuning their properties to facilitate the understanding of the mechanisms of mechanical recycling and vitrimer particles sintering.

Project Description:

The PhD project will focus on:

• Synthesis and characterization of vitrimers with diverse chemical structures and compositions, based on benzoxazine and/or epoxy-amine chemistries
• Investigation of the mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties of the developed vitrimers to understand their suitability for various applications.
• Optimization of vitrimer formulations for enhanced recyclability and sintering.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to apply findings in practical, industrially relevant contexts.
• Extensive training on rheological and mechanical characterization of vitrimers in the leading EU laboratories.
• Dissemination of the project results through reports, deliverables, and scientific publications in journals and conferences; participate in regular meetings and communicate findings effectively in both oral and written formats. Engage constructively with a diverse team of colleagues, contributing positively to the project's success.

Is your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

You hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science or a related field, and wish to carry out impactful, high quality experimental research in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues. 

You enjoy learning new things, using your creativity to solve problems, and taking advantage of opportunities to build your skills.

You are used to communicating effectively in English, both in writing and orally, and documenting your work (minimum certified B2 level).

You are careful, conscientious and well organized in the lab, happy to work with others and motivated to make a difference in what you do.

You have the following mandatory skills:

1. Strong background and extensive hands-on experience in synthetic/polymer chemistry;
2. Experience in use of modern characterization techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, DSC, TGA;
3. Ability to analyze NMR and FT-IR spectra;
4. Knowledge of Chemdraw or similar software for drawing and analyzing of chemical structures;

You might have additional skills:

5. Demonstrated competencies in polycondensation/polyaddition will be highly valued;

6. Experience in the utilization of rheological or mechanical testing or DMA analysis for polymer materials will be considered as an asset.

Your LIST benefits

An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects;

Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society;

Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square meters, including innovations such as our Viswall, high-scale incubators and top of the range 3D/4D printings that are part of our toolkit for excelling in all we do;

Multicultural and international work environment with more than 45 nationalities represented in our workforce; 

Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions;

Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science;

32 days paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, flexible working hours, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance and access to lunch vouchers;

Personalized learning program to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills;

An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas.

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

Please note that university enrolment fees (currently 200 EUR per semester) must be covered by the successful applicant.

Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html