Up to 48 months contract (first contract 14 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.

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 advancing the synthesis and development of benzoxazine-based vitrimers through phosphate-ester dynamic exchanges.

This work will focus on the synthesis of novel molecules, beginning with the design of model compounds to deepen the understanding of fundamental aspects such as the catalytic role of P-OH groups in benzoxazine polymerization and the influence of tertiary amines on the catalysis of dynamic exchanges. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular and viscoelastic characterizations of these new precursors, as well as their potential for fire retardancy.

The PhD project will focus on:

-        Synthesis and characterization of model molecules containing benzoxazine groups and phosphate esters.

-        Investigation of molecular interactions in the synthesized compounds.

-        Development of new precursors inspired by findings from model molecules.

-        Comprehensive characterization including molecular, viscoelastic, and fire-retardant properties.

-        Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to apply findings in practical and industrially relevant contexts.

-        Dissemination of project results through reports, deliverables, and publications in scientific journals and conferences; participation in regular meetings and effective communication of findings in both oral and written formats.

-        Constructive engagement with a diverse team, contributing positively to the success of the project.

The selected PhD student will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering (DSSE) of the University of Luxembourg and will develop the research project at LIST’s facilities.

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.

You are a team player.

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 benzoxazine/vitrimer chemistries 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

·     Contact details of 2 references.

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

Application procedure and conditions:

·     LIST is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and retaining diverse personnel. We value all applicants and will consider all competent candidates for employment without regard to national origin, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age or disability;

·     Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled;

·     An assessment committee will review the applications and select candidates based on guidelines that aim to ensure equal opportunities;

·     The main criteria for selection will be the correspondence of the existing skills and expertise of the applicant with the requirements mentioned above;

PhD additional conditions:

·       Supervisor: Dr. Pierre VERGE

·       Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Bascharage, Luxembourg

·       PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

·       Candidates shall be available for starting their position in February 2025. Please note that university enrolment fees (currently 200 EUR per semester) must be covered by the successful applicant.