Summary
Join a public-private partnership aimed at developing humin-based recyclable networks for adhesive and composite applications. This PhD project focuses on creating renewable and sustainable materials by exploring the potential of humins—by-products of biorefineries—as non-persistent, recyclable thermoset resins to replace conventional materials.
PhD Candidate: Development of Humin Based Recyclable Networks, Maastricht University, Netherlands
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
| Institution | Maastricht University (AMIBM) |
| Job Type | Academic / PhD Candidate |
| Contract Duration | 12 months (extendable to 3 years) |
| Salary | €3,204 – €4,051 gross monthly |
| Working Hours | 0.9 – 1.0 FTE (up to 38 hours/week) |
Subject Area
Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Polymer Synthesis.
Location
Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), Brightlands-Chemelot Campus in Geleen, Netherlands.
Eligibility
Candidates must possess the following qualifications and traits:
- An MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Excellent practical skills in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, and chemical characterization.
- A keen interest in the material characterization of recyclable networks (e.g., rheology, DMA, tensile testing).
- A strong desire to investigate structure-property relationships of synthesized polymers for use in composites and adhesives.
- A scientific mindset coupled with a hands-on approach and an interest in both fundamental and applied research.
- Excellent command of spoken and written scientific English.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with academic and industrial partners.
Scholarship Description
The selected PhD candidate will work within the NWO project KICHumins, a collaboration between academic institutions (Maastricht, Leiden, and Amsterdam Universities) and industrial partners (Avantium, Kappi, Gemsjäger ski). You will utilize humins provided by Avantium to synthesize recyclable polymer networks and study their physico-chemical properties.
Your research will directly apply to developing bio-based composites for skis and adhesives for timber panels. In addition to material synthesis, the project involves evaluating the ecotoxicological safety, environmental fate, and lifecycle assessment (LCA) of these new resins and their breakdown products to ensure they are non-toxic and sustainable by design.
How to Apply
To apply, you must prepare and upload the following required documents via the university’s online application portal:
- An updated CV.
- A cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience.
- The names and contact details of at least two professional or academic referees.
- Copies of your diplomas/degrees, including grade transcripts from your previous education.
(Note: Incomplete applications missing any of the required documents will not be considered.)
Last Date
September 18, 2026 (Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The position may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found, so early application is encouraged. The anticipated start date is October 1, 2026).
