Temporary contract | Initial 14 months | Belvaux

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 five Strategic Research Programs: Data Science for Tires, Tire as a Sensor, End-of-Life Tire Valorization, Sustainable Materials for Next Generation of Pneumatic Tires, Structure-Process-Properties Relationships.

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) in partnership with Goodyear and with the support of an Industrial Partnership Block Grant (IPBG) from the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) will drive significant research and development focused on next-generation sustainable tire materials including new types of polymers and rubbers.

As part of it, we are currently looking for a PhD in elucidating the interactions between tire compound ingredients

We are looking for a young researcher that is expected to strongly contribute to an ambitious project through the development of a doctoral thesis in the area of rubber compound characterisation. The project aims at elucidating the interactions between tire compound filler materials and other compound ingredients. During the experimental work, both synthetic and commercial silicas will be characterised using solid-state NMR and their interaction with organic molecules will be studied, involving computer models. The selected PhD student will be enrolled in the Material Science Doctoral School of the University of Luxembourg and will develop the research project both at LIST and Goodyear.

How will you contribute?

When you join the team, you will be responsible for designing and performing your experiments as well as for the analysis and interpretation of the results to meet defined objectives. The Advanced Characterisation of Surface, Interface and Structure (ACSIS) group actively promotes active dissemination of research results. Through the project consortium you will gain access to a strong link with an industrial collaborator. You will spend 25% of the project time at the collaborator’s innovation center in Luxembourg.

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

Education

• You hold a master’s degree in Material Physics,  Materials Science or Physical Chemistry

Experience and skills

• Demonstrated competencies in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, inorganic synthesis, materials characterization and rubber chemistry will be highly valued.
• Experience with programming, e.g. python, is considered an asset.
• Collaborative skills, self-motivation, initiative, result oriented, organization, and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Language skills

• You are fluent in English (both written and oral).

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

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

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

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

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 by applying you consent to share your application with Dr. Eric ENGELDINGER (Staff Engineer), Dr. Benoit DUEZ (Chief Engineer), Dr. Marcel WIRTZ (R&D Grant and Partnership Manager), Dr. Carolin WELTER (R&D Associate) from Goodyear.

PhD additional conditions:

   Supervisor: Dr Stephan WESTERMAN

   Co-supervisors: Dr Reiner DIEDEN (LIST), Dr Eric ENGELDINGER (Goodyear)

   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 Q4 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

https://allea.org/code-of-conduct/