Ph.D. Position in Materials Chemistry and Photonic Materials

Position

The chemical dyes and pigments used for coloration in conventional paints and polymeric coatings can be environmentally toxic, expensive, and/or degrade over time. In contrast, pigments based on structural color promise environmental compatibility, exhibit better hiding power, and last longer. Yet, the fabrication of such pigments on industrial scale remains a challenge, particularly within the context of waterborne, sustainable coatings. As part of the ARC CBBC flagship program ´smart coatings´, this PhD project will focus on the development of new bio-based chemical building blocks and their integration into the self-assembly processes for creating structurally colored pigments. Together with industrial partners, new strategies for fabricating such photonic balls (pigments) on large scale will be developed.

The prospective Ph.D. student will work in an international and interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative research environment, based at the renowned Stratingh Institute. Embedded in the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC) and in close collaboration with the industrial partners (AkzoNobel, BASF, and Shell), the student will be exposed to both academic and industrial settings, addressing key-challenges to create together a more sustainable future.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an excellent, creative, and highly motivated colleague with:

• an M.Sc. degree in nanoscience, chemistry, physics, materials sciences, or equivalent.
• demonstrable research experience in nanoscience, polymer chemistry, organic synthesis, heterogeneous catalysis, and/or optical properties, as the applicant will design and study the self-assembly of photonic structures and their scale-up with sustainable building blocks.
• an affinity for industry-relevant research questions, a strong team player, and well-developed communication and collaboration skills.
• excellent command of written and spoken English.
• willingness to acquire a variety of additional skills ranging from basic programming and 3D modelling, to device prototyping.