"PhD candidate: chemical modification of starch"

Job Summary

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to developing biodegradable materials from local, renewable resources like potato starch to replace fossil-based plastics. This position is part of the Interreg Flanders–Netherlands project bioZet, focusing on creating bio-based materials for applications such as seed coatings, paper enhancement, bio-based packaging, rheological modifiers, and biomaterials for 3D printing in healthcare.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform green chemical modifications of starch to create application-specific polymers.
• Characterise the resulting materials using techniques such as DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, and spectroscopy.
• Establish structure–property relationships that explain how molecular design impacts material function.
• Interact closely with industrial partners to exchange materials, evaluate test results, and adapt formulations.
• Scale up promising starch derivatives for prototype applications.
• Write and publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
• Contribute to translating academic insights into commercially viable solutions.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Scientifically curious with eagerness to explore chemical modification of biobased feedstocks.
• Hold a master’s degree in polymer chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Have hands-on experience with polymer synthesis and/or characterisation techniques (DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, spectroscopy).
• Collaborative, with ability to work in multidisciplinary and cross-sector teams and communicate effectively.
• Analytical and creative, able to connect molecular structure to material function and optimise performance.
• Proactive and organised, with skills in planning experiments and meeting deadlines.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

What the Employer Offers

Employment at Maastricht University with a salary ranging from €2901 to €3707 per month based on experience (full-time, 38 hours per week). The position includes an 8.0% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, a 12-month contract extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation, flexible working hours, partial home working option, 29 vacation days plus 4 additional public holidays, and opportunities for personal and professional development through training programs.