4-year Postdoc position: 3D-printing of polymer foams for drones (resin formulation)

Job description

In the context of a NWO-KIC grant “Materials for defense”, we will investigate fluidic/chemical routes enabling a new generation of porous, graded, and composite materials. We are assembling a team of excellent and highly motivated scientists, who will together investigate and advance the fluid mechanics, the resin formulation, the mechanical properties, and process integration during Direct Bubble Writing. This novel additive manufacturing process for polymer foams was recently invented and patented by the University of Twente. The team will closely interact with ten project partners, including National Dutch Research Institutes (NLR and MARIN), the Ministry of Defense, and globally leading industry partners specializing in the chemistry, the methods (design, printing, composites), or key applications (sailing/flying drones). In the final stage of the project, the printed materials will be tested in unmanned airborne/seaborne vehicles.

We are looking for a chemist/chemical engineer/materials scientist (4-year Post-doc; this vacancy), leading the formulation challenges of the foam printing resins. You will focus on formulating resins (rather than synthesis), enabling e.g. 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. The position is hosted at the University of Twente, starting 1 Jan 2027 or as soon as possible after that date.

You will closely collaborate with two PhD/PD-level team members who will (1) lead the understanding and development of the fluidic print process, and (2) lead the integration of printed foams with composites and subsequent upscaling. Together, you will fundamentally change how foams are made: From uniform blocks to precisely graded materials at cell level. Based on this understanding, the team will systematically develop methods for integration, scaling, and application of advanced foams and composites.

Your profile

We seek motivated colleagues who are excited about the scientific, engineering, and collaborative aspects of the project. Ideally, your CV reflects excellent scientific results, an interest broader than your PhD program, and the ability to deliver results with a team. Specifically:

• 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 e.g. resin formulation, microfluidics, and advanced optical analysis techniques are considered as 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 being flexible.
• You are fluent in English and preferably also in Dutch.

Our offer

• You will be appointed for a period of maximum 4 years full-time within a stimulating scientific environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• Gross salary between € 4.422,- (step 4) and € 5.760,- (step 12) per month depending on experience and qualifications;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme;
• The flexibility to work (partially) from home;
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff.
• We are a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) and career support for partners.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before November 1, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
• 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 regarding this position, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Claas Willem Visser, c.visser@utwente.nl .

Screening is part of the procedure

About the organisation

At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.

We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.

In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.