Researcher – Polymer composites

The Institute

Advanced Materials Research Centre

• From transportation to sustainability and renewable energy, new materials could enable major new breakthroughs in performance and capability.
• In our Advanced Materials Research Centre, we see future opportunities in:
• Energy-absorbing materials and structures
• Energy storage
• High-temperature thermoplastic composites
• Nanomaterials
• Smart materials and structures
• Simulation
• The advertised position is part of the High-temperature thermoplastic composites group to work on the state-of-the-art technologies in the light-weight composite materials field.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development of polymer synthesis and modifications for high-performance thermoplastic composite applications.
• Driving the innovation in UD tape/prepreg manufacturing and polymer compounding
• Optimization of process parameters for polymers, thermoplastic, bio-based and sustainable composites, and recycling
• Support the team in producing thermoplastic composites with added functionalities to meet the customers’ requirements.
• Perform characterization analyses of the produced composites and/or synthesized polymers with Design of Experiments (DoE) experience.
• Present ongoing work and findings to colleagues in the center and at conferences nationally and internationally
• Teach and supervise junior team members in the group.
• Support the team leader in designing and developing new methodologies, techniques, and products for light-weight applications (thermoplastics & thermosets)
• Identify end users and setup collaboration for product design and manufacturing
• Produce progress report and group strategic plan
• Ensure the implementation of the health and safety rules
• Note: This list of responsibilities is intended to be a guideline for daily activities.

Person Specification

• Must have skills/background/expertise
• :
• A MSc with 3 to 5 years of industrial experience/Ph.D. degree in polymer chemistry/engineer, chemical engineer, material science and or equivalent industrial experience in polymer composites manufacturing
• 5+ years of professional (including academic) experience in polymers and composites manufacturing, preferably high-performance thermoplastics, bio-based and sustainable composites.
• Experience in thermoplastic polymer modification/synthesis
• Hands-on expertise with polymer compounding using twin-screw extrusion
• Experience in at least one of the following methods: Tape/prepreg manufacturing, Thermoforming, Thermoplastic RTM (T-RTM)
• Experience in material and polymer characterization techniques: DMA, TGA, DSC, SEM, X-ray CT, extra
• Desirable skills/background/expertise:
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies (UD tape manufacturing and AFP) and recycling
• Experience in synthesis and modification of polymers is a plus
• Knowledge in smart and multifunctional materials
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals in the polymers and composites field