PhD position: 3D gradient printing using bio-based and bio-degradable photopolymers.

27 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Twente (UT)

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

15 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

3D-printing has begun a revolution in complex shaping. It translates virtual 3D models into physical objects in a controlled process of joining materials, usually layer-by-layer, for instance, using polymers, metals or ceramics. Due to its versatility, 3D printing is an affordable technique (easy prototyping, print on demand, cheap, etc.), which will lead to an increase of home-made disposable products, creating throwaway items, as the 3D printer usage is expected to grow rapidly.

Thanks to their broad range of properties, petroleum-derived polymers are the most common group of materials used in 3D photopolymer printing. However, their persistence has caused a worldwide waste managing problem. Moreover, the crude oil is a finite resource. These remain a visible barrier in a greener development of 3D printing and must be overcome. Indicating direction-dependent properties i.e., gradient, in 3D printed photopolymer is a new possibility to realize their specific functions. These includes structural (variation of the filler size, distribution; variation of the porosity in foams, etc.) and chemical (variation of concentration, phase separation, etc.) gradients, or combination of both.

In this project, you will synergistically combine the ideas for gradient 3D printing with bio-based or/and bio-degradable polymers. The methods for gradient 3D printing will be developed. Biopolymers will be derived from plants and chemically modified. Biodegradation will be studied. You will aim at engineering and scientific approaches to propose new printing solutions and sustainable materials but also to understand the processes and phenomena occurring at “boundaries” (in the printed layers) of such inhomogeneous materials. The outcome of this project should provide new knowledge that will enable the design of 3D printing materials to be more environmentally friendly while maintaining gradient functionality.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• You have BSc. or MSc. in Chemistry and visible experimental skill (hands-on) in Organic Chemistry. Candidates who do not meet this condition will not be considered.
• You can start this PhD position no later than June 1st 2024. Candidates who do not meet this condition will not be considered.
• You have high knowledge and interest in sustainable solutions for polymers (biopolymer, biodegradation, etc.)
• You have good theoretical background or/and practical knowledge about 3D printing of polymers.
• You display a strong passion to science and exceptional motivation as a researcher.
• You like dealing with new concepts and doing original research but you are of critical approach to evaluating experimental findings.
• You are fluent in English.
• You are a team player with a positive attitude towards work and colleagues.

Additional Information
Benefits

• Appointment for 4 years as a PhD researcher (full time position, terms of employment in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities, CAO).
• Salary ranging from € 2.770,- gross per month in the first year to € 3.539,- gross per month in the 4th year of your PhD appointment.
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Internet allowance (paid monthly), travel allowance (paid monthly), relocation allowance (€ 3.500,- gross, paid once), if applicable (read at utwente.nl).
• 30% tax free gross salary (30% tax ruling), if applicable (read at utwente.nl).
• Pension as part of the solid Dutch scheme (ABP) (Dutch pension system in one of the best in the World).
• Access to the state-of-art research facilities.
• Possibilities to cooperate with nearby high-tech companies and institutions on both sides of national borders.
• A family-friendly university that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid)
• Large university campus (146 ha) with numerous options for free-of-charge recreational and sport activities.
• Support for re-housing and immigration issues.
• Professional and personal development PhD program within Graduate School Twente.
• An inspiring scientific environment with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization and boundaryless collaboration is an important part of the strategic agenda.

Additional comments

Your application should include:

• motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation.
• detailed CV.
• one reference from your former supervisor (written recommendation) with contact details.
• academic transcript of BSc. and MSc. education.

An interview and a scientific presentation will be a part of the selection procedure.

Apply before March 15, 2024, via the provided button. Applications submitted by means other than the indicated here will not be considered. We reserve the right to speak only to selected candidates.

For more information about the position contact Dr. Hubert Gojzewski, [email protected]

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/338253/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Twente

Country

Netherlands

City

Enschede

Postal Code

7522NB

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338253/phd-position-3d-gradient-printing-us…

Contact

City

Enschede

Website

http://www.universiteittwente.nl/

Street

Drienerlolaan 5

Postal Code

7522 NB

STATUS: EXPIRED