Summary
Are you passionate about realizing the next generation of 3D-printed foams and composites? The University of Twente is seeking a highly motivated Postdoc to lead the resin formulation challenges for a novel additive manufacturing process called Direct Bubble Writing. This 4-year position is part of a NWO-KIC grant “Materials for defense” and involves close collaboration with national research institutes and industry partners to develop porous, graded, and composite materials for unmanned airborne/seaborne vehicles.
4-year Postdoc Position: 3D-printing of Polymer Foams for Drones (Resin Formulation)
Designation
Postdoc
Research Area
- Additive Manufacturing
- 3D-printing of Polymer Foams
- Resin Formulation
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics
- Soft Matter
Location
University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
Your Profile
- You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.
- You have obtained a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
- You have excellent analytical skills and a strong ability for solution-oriented problem-solving.
- You have strong interests in additive manufacturing, including connecting the fundamental and applied aspects.
- You have experience in (micro)materials characterization, chemical characterization, and/or material visualization techniques. Experience in resin formulation, microfluidics, and advanced optical analysis techniques is considered a benefit.
- You possess excellent communication skills, including scientific writing and presenting to a specialized or general audience.
- You enjoy working in a team.
- You have a creative and critical attitude, combined with perseverance and flexibility.
- You are fluent in English and preferably also in Dutch.
Job Description
In the context of a NWO-KIC grant “Materials for defense”, this Postdoc position will investigate fluidic/chemical routes to enable a new generation of porous, graded, and composite materials. The successful candidate will be the team lead for the formulation challenges of foam printing resins, focusing on formulating resins (rather than synthesis) that enable the printing of stiff, light, and dampening parts with minimal post-processing. An understanding of photo-curable systems, resin formulation, fluid mechanics, and/or soft matter is beneficial.
You will closely collaborate with two other PhD/PD-level team members who will focus on:
- Understanding and developing the fluidic print process.
- Integrating printed foams with composites and subsequent upscaling.
Together, the team will fundamentally change how foams are made, moving from uniform blocks to precisely graded materials at a cellular level, and systematically develop methods for integration, scaling, and application of advanced foams and composites. The project involves close interaction with ten partners, including National Dutch Research Institutes (NLR and MARIN), the Ministry of Defense, and leading industry partners.
Our Offer
- Appointment for a maximum of 4 years full-time within a stimulating scientific environment.
- Gross salary between €4,422 and €5,760 per month, depending on experience and qualifications, in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- Excellent benefits including an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus, and a solid pension scheme.
- Flexibility to work (partially) from home.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours for full-time employment (38 hours/week), with an additional 96 leave hours annually for a 40-hour workweek.
- Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
- Encouragement of responsibility and independence, with collaboration within a team.
- Family-friendly institution offering parental leave and career support for partners.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application via the ‘Apply now’ button before the deadline. Your application should include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations for applying.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL).
- Contact details of at least two references.
For more information, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Claas Willem Visser at c.visser@utwente.nl.
Application Process Steps:
- Apply: Submit your application online. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.
- Selection: The selection committee will review your application, and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has closed.
- 1st Interview: An initial (online or in-person) meeting for introduction. You may be asked to give a short presentation.
- 2nd Interview: Further discussion on job content, skills, and talents.
- The Offer: If conversations are positive, a suitable offer will be made. Screening may be part of the procedure.
Last Date for Apply
November 1
Apply Link
