Temporary contract | 36 months (first initial contract of 14 months) | Belval

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.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Discover our Materials department: https://www.list.lu/en/materials/

How will you contribute?

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and sustainability-minded PhD student interested in developing innovative thin film deposition methods using upcycled materials. The PhD research project will be carried out within the framework of a European M-ERA.NET project devoted to the development of plasma coatings as sustainable-by-design adhesion primers in multi-material laminates. Adhesion primers are of crucial interest for the multi-material laminates industry. Their use is critical and gives flexibility to the lamination process and product design. After the product’s end-of-life, all these production benefits impede product’s recycling. The challenge is the plasma deposition of adhesion promoters based on products derived from the chemical upcycling of mixed plastic wastes. The primers will be conceived to provide an on-demand debonding interface, aiming at facilitating the end-of-life recycling of multilayered packaging. The primary aim is to shift towards a circular economy model, prioritizing recycling and reusing resources to promote sustainability.

In this role, you will work with a multinational and multidisciplinary team of highly skilled scientists and engineers. This is a great opportunity to acquire highly valued skills in the application of macromolecular engineering to produce functional thin films and their characterization by multiple advanced techniques for chemical and surface analyses. As per so you can design and perform relevant experiments, analyze and interpret the results. The PPE (Plasma Process and Engineering) group actively promotes active dissemination of research results. You are expected to publish first author papers in Q1 journals and give oral presentations to international conferences. Through the project consortium you will gain access to a strong network of academic and industrial collaborators. This network can open doors for a secondment during the project.

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

You hold a master’s degree in chemistry, polymer science, or related fields with a strong interest in chemistry, physics, and materials science. You want to fuel your passion for sustainability by leveraging your expertise in polymerization and materials characterization. You are fluent in English (both written and oral).

You are ready to embrace the challenge of this innovative, multidisciplinary project, and thrive in a collaborative research environment. Then we want to hear from you!

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 metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 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, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

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

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.

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor at LIST: Roberto Quintana (roberto.quintana@list.lu)
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position in autumn 2024. 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