"Post-doc: chemical modification of starch"

Job Summary

This post-doc position is part of the Interreg Flanders-the Netherlands project bioZet, focusing on developing chemically modified starches as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. The role involves valorizing sidestream potato starch for applications such as seed coatings, paper applications, packaging, rheological additives, and biomedical 3D printing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical modification of starch using green methods to prepare derivatives for specific applications.
• Perform synthesis and characterization of starch derivatives.
• Exchange samples with industrial partners for application testing and develop new polymers based on feedback.
• Assist in project management tasks.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Hold a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• Possess skills in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, and chemical characterization.
• Have interest in material characterization techniques such as DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheology.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in investigating structure-property relationships for project-relevant applications.
• Be open to scaling up polymers for application tests.
• Aim to contribute to ready-to-market products while engaging in scientific publishing.
• Master scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing.
• Be result-driven, inventive, creative, and work with accountability and ownership.

What the Employer Offers

• Employment at Maastricht University, the most international university in the Netherlands.
• Salary ranging from €4537 to €6209 gross per month based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week, plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus.
• An employment contract for 26 months at 1.0 FTE.
• Flexible working hours, possibility to work partly from home, monthly commuting and internet allowance.
• 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, with options for more through compensation hours.
• Access to training programs, pension scheme, company fitness, and sports facilities.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.