News

15-07-2019

Vacancy: Postdoc Lignin-Derived Polymers Program

Biorizon co-initiator VITO is looking to recruit one PhD graduate for a 2 years postdoctoral position to work in their lignin-derived polymers program at the Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands.

The unit Separation- and Conversion Technology (SCT) of VITO develops technologies for the sustainability of production processes in the (bio)chemical sector, replacement of fossil resources by renewable resources as feedstock for the chemical industry, and the treatment of waste streams into high value chemicals.

The synthesis of (semi)aromatic polymers derived from renewable resources is currently attracting tremendous interest from both academia and industry, as aromatic compounds are key intermediates in the manufacture of polymers and chemicals.

VITO is co-initiator of Biorizon, an industry driven Shared Research Center, focusing on technology development for the production of functionalized biobased aromatics for performance materials, chemicals & coatings. As the leading institute, VITO coordinates the development of lignin derived bioaromatics by its own technology and by collaboration with different technology providers. Lignin is the main source of aromatic bio-based molecules. Various phenols derivatives with a variety of chemical structures can be obtained from lignin deconstruction combined with advanced membrane separation techniques.

VITO has developed a strong expertise in the valorization of biomass through conversion of lignocellulose into value-added lignin fragments and bio-aromatic derivatives. More recently, VITO has also started to develop IP and to demonstrate how these new building blocks could be polymerized into value-added products. Depending on the bioaromatic substrates obtained from the lignin separation processes, different chemical modifications and polymerization pathways are envisaged and developed, leading to (semi)aromatic polymers that could potentially cover a wide range of industrial applications.

We are looking to recruit one PhD graduate for a 2 years postdoctoral position to work in our lignin-derived polymers program. The work will focus on two aspects:

• Synthesis of polymerizable synthons derived from lignin;
• Design/characterization of lignin-derived biopolymers such as polyurethanes.

Desired skills and experience

• Applicants must have obtained a PhD in polymer chemistry or a related field (organic chemistry, biomaterials…) or proven track record
• An experience in the synthesis of value-added molecules derived from biomass or in the synthesis/characterization of (block) co-polymer is an advantage
• Highly self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated the ability to conduct scientific research successfully and work independently are desirable
• The ability to combined creativity and experimental research together with a focus on applications to generate industry-ready solutions leading to commercialization is a strong advantage
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required
• The candidates are expected to stay abreast of the recent literature (publications and patents) in the field of lignin-derived polymers, develop research ideas and valorized their research in the form of patents and research papers
• The candidate will contribute to the acquisition of new projects/funds via writing research proposals

Location

Main location will be the Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen-op-Zoom, The Netherlands with regular trips to VITO’s headquarters in Mol, Belgium

About the employer

VITO is a leading European independent research and technology organization in the areas of cleantech and sustainable development, elaborating solutions for the large societal challenges of today. VITO provides innovative and high-quality solutions, whereby large and small companies can gain a competitive advantage, and advises industry and governments on determining their policy for the future. VITO has more than 800 highly-qualified employees who work on international projects all around the world.

Contact: Richard Vendamme