Temporary contract | 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 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. The position will be in relation with the Sustainable Composite Materials & Manufacturing (SCMM) Innovation Centre, which is an initiative aiming at turning materials innovations into demonstrators addressing challenges in transport sectors towards zero‐emission mobility solutions. The program is endorsed by leading companies in the automotive, rail, aeronautics, and space sectors.

How will you contribute?

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for synthesizing and crosslinking precursors for vitrimers relying on transesterification exchange chemistries and will conduct molecular, thermal/mechanical, and crucially, rheological characterization of the precursors and the resulting materials. In a following phase, the researcher will integrate these vitrimeric materials with conventional resins typically used for this application. The ultimate goal of the postdoc's efforts will be to achieve performance levels acceptable for the application and to formulate/adapt the materials for low-viscosity manufacturing processes. The target is the development of composite sandwich panels for aeronautic applications. Moreover, the postdoc will participate in regular meetings, communicate findings effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing, and take a leading role in the protection/dissemination of the work. The Postdoc will also interact constructively and positively with a diverse group of colleagues, contributing to the success of the group, unit, and institution in an applied industrial context.

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

You hold a PhD degree 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’re used to communicating effectively in English, both in writing and orally, and documenting your work. 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.

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 / or 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.