Temporary contract | 24 months | 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.

In 2024, LIST and GOODYEAR signed the second phase of their partnership, 2024-2029, building on the outcomes of their previous collaboration and entering new technological areas as well. GOODYEAR-LIST partnership 2.0 embraces Luxembourg's National priorities, such as Sustainability, Digital transformation and Circular economy, through the execution of six Strategic Research Programs: Data Science for Tires, Tire as a Sensor, End-of-Life Tire Valorization, Sustainable Materials for Non-Pneumatic Tires, Sustainable Materials for Next Generation of Pneumatic Tires, Structure-Process-Properties Relationships.

As part of it, we are currently looking for a Researcher in objective and cognitive measures.

How will you contribute?

Resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex-based (RFL) adhesives are widely used in tire manufacturing due to their exceptional bonding properties, where they play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and performance of tires by providing strong adhesion between various components, such as rubber and fabric reinforcements. RFL is formulated by combining resorcinol and formaldehyde with latex, resulting in an adhesive that offers excellent heat resistance, chemical stability, and adhesion to a wide range of substrates commonly found in tires. However, as sustainability becomes a priority, there is an increasing demand for alternatives that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Your specific role will be to design and develop a new adhesive with the same performance compared to the conventional RFL adhesive with the aim of reducing environmental impact of the adhesive while maintaining performance. To reach the goal, you will be also in charge of a comprehensive analysis including advanced characterization combined with testing to design and gain a thorough understanding of the new system.

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

Education

PhD in topics related to Polymer science, Materials Science, Chemistry or Physics, Polymer-based Composites Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and wish to carry out impactful, high quality experimental research in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues.

Experience and skills

• You enjoy learning new things, using your creativity to solve problems, and taking advantage of opportunities to build your skills.
• 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.
•  Knowledge in bio-based adhesive is an asset for this position.

Language skills

• You are used to communicating effectively in English, both in writing and orally, and documenting your work.

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, color, 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.

Additional information:

•  Supervisor at LIST: Dr. Grégory Mertz (gregory.mertz@list.lu), Dr. David Ruch (david.ruch@list.lu)
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Hautcharage, Luxembourg
• Candidates shall be available to start their position in Q1 2024 at the latest. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found..